Medic West Africa, the largest healthcare event in the region, kicked into action at Lagos' Landmark Centre on September 26 welcoming professionals and renowned leaders from across the region for the exchange of knowledge and networking opportunities. Conferences commenced with the HFN Healthcare Leadership Conference in partnership with the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria and the Immunology Conference. The exhibition featured an extensive array of exhibitors, including industry giants like Siemens Healthineers and GE Healthcare, alongside innovators such as Snibe Diagnostics and New Heights Pharmaceuticals.
It encompassed a broad spectrum of healthcare offerings, spanning from essential consumables to cutting-edge imaging equipment, from surgical advancements to prosthetic innovations. The exhibitors hailed from diverse corners of the globe, representing countries like Nigeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, South Korea, Germany, Italy, India, Turkey, UAE, UK, and many more, making it a truly international showcase of healthcare excellence.
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Dr. Pamela Ajayi, President of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN), set the tone by introducing the event's theme: "Igniting Change, Mobilising Healthcare in West Africa for a Sustainable Future”. She stressed the importance of universal health coverage and called for a collaborative approach from all healthcare stakeholders.
Dr. Pamela Ajayi
Keynote speaker Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, special advisor to the president on health, acknowledged that while the healthcare industry's growth is not yet satisfactory, there is room for improvement. She highlighted the Nigerian President's support for homegrown solutions and best practices, encouraging collaboration between the government and the private sector.
The session on "Universal Health Coverage (UHC): A Practical and Financially Viable Approach" featured insights from Dr. Mamessile Aklah of CAMEG, Togo, and Dr. Olumide Okunola of the International Finance Corporation. Dr. Okunola emphasised that achieving UHC is a political decision, urging the government to prioritise financially viable approaches for the greater good.
Panel discussions followed with a focus on "The Business of Healthcare — Public and Private Integration, Making It Work”. Dr. Richdson Ajayi, Executive Vice Chairman of Bridge Clinic, set the stage for engaging discussions. Panelists included Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, Dr. Jennifer Anyanti, Prof. Chimezie Anyakora, and Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, with Njide Ndili as moderator.
The Healthcare Leadership Conference unveiled cutting-edge health tech innovations across Africa, spotlighting how technology confronts real-life health challenges. Innovators like Drugstoc, WellaHealth, MobiHealth, Emergency Response Africa, and Advantage Health Africa showcased tech solutions transforming healthcare delivery.
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To cap it all, a timely panel session titled "Creating an Enabling Environment to Thrive in West Africa" was deftly moderated by Irene Nwaukwa, Managing Director of INC Consulting Africa. Visionaries in tech-driven healthcare, including Dr. Chibuzo Opara, Debo Adulana, Isaac Nkrumah, and Rory Assandey, shared insights and strategies for fostering tech-powered growth and innovation in the region.
The Immunology Conference on the other hand commenced with welcoming remarks by Dr. Akyala Ishaku, Director of the Global Health and Infectious Diseases Centre at Nasarawa State University, Nigeria. It featured four sessions, each focusing on critical aspects of infectious diseases and immunisation.
Keynote speakers and expert panelists from various Nigerian institutions shared insights on topics such as vaccine production networks, immune response to infections, pathogenesis of viruses, and optimising vaccination programs. Moderated by Dr. Ishaku and Prof. Olatunji Matthew Kolawole, these sessions provided a platform for in-depth discussions and Q&A sessions, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing health challenges in West Africa.
Looking for more content related to the African region. Africa Health 2023 will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, from17 to 19 October 2023, at the Gallagher Convention Centre. To register, click here.
