The Chief Medical Director of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Professor John Okeniyi, has called on the Federal Government to significantly increase investment in paediatric cardiac services to address the growing gap in cardiovascular care for children across Nigeria.
Speaking at the 424th inaugural lecture of the Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, titled “State of the Heart: Echoes from Paediatrics, Pulsations and Purpose,” Okeniyi stressed that safeguarding children’s heart health is essential to the nation’s future.
“A nation that neglects the hearts of its children mortgages its future; a nation that protects them invests in its destiny,” he said.
The professor explained that paediatric cardiology focuses on diagnosing and treating heart conditions in infants, children and adolescents, noting that his professional journey has been dedicated to advancing the specialty in Nigeria.
He recalled establishing paediatric cardiology services at OAUTHC with personally acquired electrocardiography and portable echocardiography equipment, which has since developed into a fully operational paediatric cardiac unit offering advanced diagnostic and treatment services, including foetal diagnosis, neonatal cardiac assessment, arrhythmia diagnosis and telecardiology.
Okeniyi also highlighted successful collaboration with Professor Uvie Onakpoya and the Cardiac Eye International Foundation, which enabled indigenous paediatric open-heart surgeries at OAUTHC, making the institution one of Nigeria’s leading centres for paediatric cardiac surgery.
According to him, research has shown that many Nigerian children remain vulnerable to heart diseases due to biological, environmental and systemic challenges, but affordable and context-specific interventions can significantly improve survival rates.
He advocated stronger primary healthcare systems to enhance early diagnosis, prevent neonatal tetanus and rheumatic fever, and improve maternal and child healthcare services.
The CMD further called for expanded newborn screening, establishment of additional catheterisation laboratories and surgical centres, continuous training of paediatric cardiac specialists, creation of a national paediatric cardiovascular registry, and increased investment in research and telecardiology services.
Okeniyi also proposed the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in Paediatric Cardiology at OAUTHC to strengthen specialised care and research, urging government, policymakers and development partners to collaborate in ensuring that no Nigerian child dies from a treatable heart condition.
Source: News Agency Nigeria
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