“Burn Prevention and Public Awareness are Key to Reducing Burn Injuries,” says UI DVC

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration of the University of Ibadan, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, FNPA, fspsp, C.Psych, FSSAN, has stressed the importance of prevention and public awareness in reducing the incidence and severity of burn injuries and other forms of trauma.

He made this statement on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, while receiving representatives of the Nigerian Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (NAPRAS) and the Nigerian Burn Injuries Society (NBIS) on a courtesy visit to the office of the Vice-Chancellor.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor described the Burn and Plastic Surgery Units in hospitals and research institutes as important components of healthcare, noting that the forth coming NAPRAS and NBIS joint conference presented an opportunity to draw attention to the prevention of burn injuries and the management of their consequences.

He emphasized the need for the public to be adequately informed about factors that could precipitate injuries so that appropriate precautions could be taken to reduce their occurrence.

He noted that although injuries could not be completely eliminated, preventive measures could significantly reduce their incidence, while reconstructive and plastic surgery could help victims recover and regain their quality of life.

Professor Olapegba commended the organizers for incorporating public awareness into the conference programme and encouraged them to take the campaign beyond the hospital environment.

He advised the team to use strategic locations within the University community where they could interact directly with members of the public and educate them on the prevention of burn injuries and other forms of trauma.

According to him, taking the campaign to the people would create greater visibility for the initiative and provide an opportunity to communicate important health information to members of the University community.

The DVC described the planned activities as laudable and assured the organisers of the support of the University for the conference. 

Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Ayodele Olukayode Iyun,  a plastic surgeon and consultant, had explained that the courtesy visit was to formally notify the University administration about the joint conference and seek its support for the  planned activities.

Dr. Iyun disclosed that the conference would bring together members of NAPRAS and NBIS for their 31st and 19th annual scientific conferences respectively.

He disclosed that the conference is being hosted by the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (DPRAS) of the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

He added that about 250 participants were expected including plastic and reconstructive surgeons and consultants from related surgical specialties, such as orthopedics, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, resident doctors in related specialties, plastic surgery and burn nurses and other related health care professionals. 

He mentioned that the pre-conference programme would include breast reduction surgeries, with delegates from different parts of the country expected to participate.

The Local Organising Committee Chairman also disclosed that a burn-injury awareness walk has been organized as part of efforts to educate the public on the prevention of traumatic burn injuries. 

Dr. Iyun stressed the gravity of burn injuries, citing recent cases involving patients who sustained major injuries from gas explosions.

He stated that some have unfortunately died as a result of injuries sustained, describing the situation as a major public health concern.

He noted that these experiences reinforced the need for greater public education on preventive measures, particularly on how to avoid situations that could result in severe injuries and loss of lives.