Nigerian Cardiac Society, 47th Annual General Meeting Communique

The 47th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference (AGMSC) of the Nigerian Cardiac Society held from the 19th to Zist of September 2018 at the Afficient Event Centre. Kano City, Kano State. It was preceded by a preconference workshop held at the Aminu Kano University Teaching Hospital. Kano State on the 18th of September 2018.

The theme of the AGMSC was ‘Cardiovascular Care in Contemporary Nigeria: Bridging the Gap’. Sub~themes included ‘Advancing Cardiovascular Care in Nigeria: The Role of Collaboration: “Towards Sustainable Cardiovascular Training and Research in Nigeria‘ and Heart Disease in Nigeria: The Role of Preventive Cardiology‘.

The opening ceremony and scientific conference held under the distinguished Chairmanship of Prof Sadiq Suleiman Wall and declared open by the Executive Governor of Kano State, His Excellency, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje OF R represented by the Hon Commissioner for Health Kano State, Dr Kabiru lbrahim Getso. The Guest of Honour was the Hon Minister of Health represented by the Chief Medical Director, Aminu Kano University Teaching Hospital (AKTH). Kano.

The Annual Asuquo Antia Lecture was delivered by Professor Basil N Okeahialam and the Royal Father of the day was the His Royal Highness. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II CON. Emir of Kano. Forty – six members of the Nigerian Cardiac Society were awarded the prestigious Fellowship of the Nigerian Cardiac Society (FNCS) as foundation fellows in a very colourful opening ceremony. There were adult cardiologists. cardio-thoracic surgeons, paediatric cardiologists. anaesthetists, intensivists, radiologists, cardiac nurses. cardiac physiotherapists. cardiac. technicians and other allied professionals were in attendance.

The Nigerian Cardiac Society noted with concern the following issues relating to the theme and sub-themes:

1 .There is an increasing prevalence of ischaemic heart disease in Nigeria with limited resources for diagnosis and adequate treatment.

2.Congenital Heart Disease is prevalent in Nigeria and vast majority of Nigerian Children with congenital heart disease have little or no access to affordable corrective cardiac Surgery.

3. Hypertension affects more than 3096 of Nigerians having been identified as the most important cardiovascular disease risk factor and the commonest cause of heart failure which has worse prognosis than most cancers in Nigeria.

4. Rheumatic Heart Disease. a preventable cause of heart failure is still common especially in the rural parts of Nigeria. Access to corrective surgeries like valve replacements is available only to a few.

5. African hypertensive patients are salt sensitive. have volume dependent hypertension. This becomes of note because of high dietary intake of salt in Nigeria.

6. High blood cholesterol is a very important risk factor for the development of atherosderotic cardiovascular disease, acting together with other risk factors. The misiinfometioni on dysiipidaemie/hyperchoieshroiaemia being ‘good‘ and not predisposing to heart disease is clearly false.

7. Nigeria probably has the highest burden of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy worldwide; a major cause of heart failure and mortality in pregnant women.

8. There is increase in the menace of recreational drug abuse especially by youths in Nigeria which is becoming a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease burden.

9. There is poor healthcare financing for cardiovascular health and training in Nigeria.

10. There is urgent need for increased advocacy and collaboration for cardiovascular health and training in Nigeria.

Rising from its 47th AGMSC, the Nigerian Cardiac Society resolves as follows:

1.The Nigerian Cardiac Society should take its place as a major stake- holder in shaping the political agenda for cardiovascular health in Nigeria through evidence-based advocacy in the country.

2. Nigerian Cardiac Society calls for deliberate and increased governmental and private funding for cardiovascular care, research and training and greater collaboration between the health sector and cardio vascular stakeholders. NCS is positioned as a valuable partner in this regard.

3. Nigerian Cardiac Society calls for improved cardiovascular public health education by all stakeholders and the need for adequate development of cardiovascular emergency and ambulance services in Nigeria.

4. The Society thanks His Excellency, the President Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Honourable Minister of Health for the integration of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) (hypertension and diabetes) into the primary health care programme.

5. Nigerian Cardiac Society strongly advocates for the inclusion of specialised cardiovascular care and services in the National Health Insurance Scheme of Nigeria.‘l’his will help in improving access to these services. The Society. therefore. advocates for a greater role of NHIS towards cardiovascular care.

6. Nigerian Cardiac Society appeals to all Nigerians to engage In healthy cardiovascular lifestyle including reduction in dietary salt and fat intake and regular physical activity.

7. The Nigerian Cardiac Society calls on the Federal Government to facilitate the implementation of cardiovascular health policy in the country.

Nigerian Cardiac Society immensely appreciates the Executive Governor of Kano State, His Excellency, Dr. Abduliahi Umar Ganduje OFR, the Hon Minister of Health. Prof Isaac Folorunsho Adewole. the Hon Commissioner for Health Kano State. Dr Kabiru lbrahim Getso. the Vice Chancellor Bayero University. Kano Prof Muhammad Yahuza Beilo, the Chief Medical Director. Aminu Kano University Teaching Hospital (AKTH). Kano, Prof Aminu Zakari Mohammed. We also thank the Annual Asuquo Antia lecturer, Professor Basil N Okeahialam and His Royal Highness, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi Ii CON. Emir of Kano. Special appreciation to the immediate past National Officers‘ Committee of NCS led by Prof Amam Mbakwem and the local organising committee of Kano 2018 AGMSC led by Prof Mahmoud Umar Sani.

Election was held and the following officers were elected to serve the association for the next two years:

i. Dr. Okechuirwu Ogah President

ii. Prof Mahmoud Sani ince President

iii. Prof Augustine Odili Secretary General

iV. Dr. Chizindu Alikor Asst. Secretary General

V. Dr. Adeola Animasahun Treasurer

vi. Dr. Ejiroghene Umuerri Publicity Secretary

vii. Prof. Amam Mbakwem Ex Officio 1

viii. Prof. Rasaaq Adebayo Ex Officio 2

Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Long Live Nigeria Cardiac Society