In a bid to address the increasing cases of arthritis in Nigeria, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo, Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Delta State Chapter, has emphasized the need for knowledge and access to physiotherapy services. Speaking at a public lecture organized by the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP) in collaboration with the Delta State Ministry of Health, Unobunjo urged for grassroots mobilization to curb the disease.
During the event, held in Asaba to commemorate the 2023 World Physiotherapy Day, Unobunjo expressed her appreciation for the choice of arthritis as the theme for this year's event. She commended the guest lecturer for the comprehensive presentation, highlighting the importance of physiotherapy in managing arthritis.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy, Federal Medical Center Asaba Chapter, Ephraim, also praised the immediate past governor of Delta State, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, for providing a suitable venue for the event. He explained that the selection of the State Secretariat was based on the belief that every household is represented there.
Dr. Ephraim emphasized that World Physiotherapy Day aims to raise awareness about the significance of physiotherapy in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He shared that the focus of this year's event was "Arthritis and Physiotherapy Management," and the choice of September 8th for the event aligned with the global observance of World Physiotherapy Day.
The guest speaker, Dr. Ogbutor Udoji Godsday, provided an overview of the role of physiotherapy in managing arthritis. He highlighted that arthritis is not a single condition but encompasses various types, including Osteoporosis, Gouty, Rheumatoid, Juvenile idiopathic, Psoriatic, and Ankylosing spondylitis Arthritis. Dr. Ogbutor explained the different symptoms associated with arthritis, such as joint pain, stiffness, inflammation, and weakness.
Dispelling misconceptions, Dr. Ogbutor clarified that arthritis is not caused by cold environments or the consumption of cold drinks. However, he noted that cold weather can exacerbate pain and discomfort, affecting individuals with arthritis.
Dr. Ogbutor emphasized the holistic approach of physiotherapy, which helps restore movement and function in individuals affected by injury, illness, or disability. He highlighted the role of physiotherapists in assessing conditions, guiding patients on fitness and symptom management, and developing tailored management plans for a healthy lifestyle.
Although the Delta State Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, was unable to attend the event, his representative, Dr. Anyiebo, acknowledged the importance of physiotherapy in overall patient health. Dr. Anyiebo assured the participants that their messages and requests would be conveyed to Dr. Onojaeme for further consideration and potential implementation.
Dr. Mininim Oseji, a former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, emphasized the need for community-based mobilization to raise awareness about arthritis and other bone-related conditions. She highlighted the World Health Organization's recent emphasis on self-care to prevent unnecessary fatalities.
The event concluded with free health screenings and consultations provided by members of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy. Participants also took group photographs with the guest speaker, marking a successful and collaborative effort to promote physiotherapy awareness and combat arthritis in Nigeria.
