Health

Nigerian cardiac society develops framework for nationwide CPR training

Published

2 years ago

October 17, 2024

The Nigerian Cardiac Society (NCS) has created a framework to train all Nigerians in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
The President, Prof. Augustine Odili, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during the inauguration of its “Bring Back to Life” programme.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CPR is an emergency procedure that combines chest compressions with artificial ventilation or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

This preserves brain function until further measures can restore blood circulation and breathing in individuals experiencing cardiac arrest.

According to odili, the NCS has been working on this framework for the past year, bringing together experts with extensive experience in resuscitation.
“The curriculum includes certification, retraining timelines, and trainer development.”

Odili emphasised the importance of everyone, regardless of age, knowing how to perform CPR.

“Last year, the society launched “Know Your Numbers” to raise awareness about blood pressure and its link to sudden cardiac arrests.

“Nigeria has also developed its own Public Access Defibrillator for CPR, which should be accessible in all public spaces,”he said.

In her keynote address, Prof. Adeola Animashaun, Consultant paediatric cardiologist, Lagos State University College of Medicine, highlighted the alarming rise of sudden deaths in Nigeria, stressing the need for action.

She attributed most sudden deaths to cardiovascular risk factors, advocating for regular blood pressure checks and a healthy diet.

The National Orientation Agency’s Director-General, Mr Lanre Issa-Oniru, emphasised the importance of making medical knowledge accessible beyond medical professionals.

He suggested taking the message to communities, mosques, and churches to effect change.

NAN also reports that the NCS aims to shift the narrative from “slump and die” to “slump and live” through determination, regular CPR training, and hard work.
NAN

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Health

Football Legends to Light Up Nigeria in NICRAT’s World Soccer Legends Cancer Match

Published

4 weeks ago

September 2, 2026

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is set to witness a football spectacle as some of the world’s greatest football legends converge for the First World Soccer Legends War Against Cancer International Charity Football Match Nigeria 2026.

The star-studded event, backed by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), is designed to combine football entertainment with a major campaign to raise cancer awareness, promote early detection and mobilise resources for prevention and treatment.

The initiative, themed “Play for Prevention, Score for Life,” was unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja with the official launch of the event logo, kits and a 60-day countdown to the international charity match.

The campaign is expected to feature former international football stars while bringing together cancer advocates, government institutions, corporate organisations, development partners and other stakeholders in a united effort against the disease.

Speaking on behalf of NICRAT Director-General, Prof. Usman Aliyu, Dr Margaret Sawyer said the institute was supporting the initiative because of its potential to take cancer-awareness messages to millions of Nigerians.

She said the campaign would go beyond fundraising by educating Nigerians on cancer prevention, early detection and the need to seek medical attention promptly.

According to her, football offers a unique platform for reaching diverse communities, while the influence of football legends could help deliver important health messages to a wider audience.

Earlier, National Coordinator of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Mr Jacob Onu, said the event was conceived to transcend the boundaries of sport and evolve into a national and international movement against cancer.

Onu said the participation of former football stars would amplify messages on cancer prevention, screening, treatment, research and support for patients and survivors.

He added that the event would also celebrate life, honour those who had lost their lives to cancer and inspire survivors and people currently battling the disease.

“Together, through football, compassion and collective action, we can win the War Against Cancer,” he said.

Onu called on Nigerians across the 774 local government areas to become ambassadors of the campaign by promoting healthy lifestyles, regular medical checks and early medical intervention.

He also appealed to corporate organisations, philanthropists, international organisations, football stakeholders, media organisations and development partners to support the initiative.

The MOC coordinator commended NICRAT, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), sponsors, partners and other stakeholders for their support.

He assured that the organising committee would deliver an event capable of meeting international standards while creating a lasting legacy in cancer awareness, advocacy, humanitarian support and sports development.

In his goodwill message, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr. Habu Gumel, expressed concern over the rising global cancer burden and called for sustained action beyond the charity match.

Gumel urged the organisers to extend the campaign beyond Abuja to communities across the 36 states, while calling on governments at all levels to strengthen cancer prevention, screening and treatment.

The NOC president pledged his support for the initiative and encouraged Nigerians to make regular cancer screening and periodic health checks a priority.

Also speaking, Director of Cancer Prevention and Control at NICRAT, Dr Usman Mohammed Waziri, reaffirmed the institute’s determination to ensure that the initiative produces a positive and lasting impact on Nigeria’s cancer-control efforts.

With the 60-day countdown officially underway, organisers said the World Soccer Legends Cancer Match would combine the excitement of football with humanitarian action, using the power and influence of football legends to drive a nationwide campaign against cancer.

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