Wife of the Ondo State Governor, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has described timely referrals for palliative care as essential to the treatment and management of life-threatening and chronic diseases like cancer.
The First Lady of Ondo State spoke at a public presentation of a handbook titled, ‘Essentials of palliative care: a handbook for health professionals and students,’ on Thursday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The handbook was published by the Centre for Palliative Care, Nigeria, University College, Hospital, Ibadan.
Anyanwu-Akeredolu, who was represented on the occasion by Tolu Taiwo, the National President, Breast Cancer Associations of Nigeria, said that lack of awareness, knowledge and inadequately trained professionals were hindering the uptake of palliative care in the country.
“Coming from my personal experience as a breast cancer survivor, and the mission that I have dedicated myself to, I understand the importance of palliative care in the treatment and management of cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
“The focus of palliative care is largely on improving patient’s quality of life by relieving and preventing suffering.
“I must, therefore, commend the Centre for Palliative Care, Nigeria for the great work that they are orchestrating in the field and I encourage all health professionals and students to make this handbook part of their professional tool.
“Palliative care is deeply rooted in love and empathy; two concepts that are fast disappearing from healthcare practice,” she said.
Earlier, the Chief Medical Director of UCH, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, described the handbook as the first local textbook on palliative care in Nigeria.
Otegbayo represented by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Dr Abiodun Adeoye, described the handbook as a layman’s guide to understanding palliative care.
Adeoye said, “It will go a long way in alleviating the physical and emotional pain of the people living with terminal diseases as well as their care givers and the family members.”
Dr Arinola Sanusi, who reviewed the book, said that “One of the editors, Prof. Olaitan Soyannwo, who is the foremost champion of palliative care in Nigeria, talked about palliative care as an emerging part of health care in Nigeria.
“The book includes some of the history of palliative care services in Nigeria as well as in global practice. The book provides insight into the academic contribution of the editors in their primary fields. The other editors are professors Adesola Ogunbiyi and Ikeoluwapo Ajayi.
“The book reflected on the personal experiences of patients, family care givers as well as roles of volunteers and members of the palliative care team.”
