CCTRIS Seminar: University of Maryland Scholars Advocate Collaborations to Tackle Non-Communicable Diseases in Africa
During a seminar at the University of Lagos, two University of Maryland scholars stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to address Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Africa.
UBA CHIDINMA 
In a seminar hosted by the Centre for Clinical Trials, Research, and Implementation Science (CCTRIS) at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), two eminent scholars from the University of Maryland, USA, emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts to combat Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) on the African continent.
Dr. Taofeek Owonikoko, Professor of Oncology at the University of Maryland, delivered a compelling presentation titled “Building The Human Resource and Infrastructure for Oncogenic Health.” Drawing on data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Owonikoko highlighted a concerning trend: over the past three decades, NCD cases in Africa have been steadily rising. He specifically pointed out that cancer diagnoses and related deaths are projected to increase significantly by 2040.
During his address, Dr. Owonikoko underscored the importance of adapting global knowledge to local contexts. As a former Resident at CMUL, he urged colleagues in the field of Medicine to prioritize problem-driven research, especially in resource-constrained environments like Nigeria. His call for collaboration resonated strongly: “We should not hesitate to seek partnerships with colleagues operating in better-funded settings,” he asserted.
Dr. Mark Gladwin, Dean of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, complemented Dr. Owonikoko’s insights by discussing “Pulmonary Hypertension and End Organ Failure in Adult Patients with Sickle Cell Disease.” His presentation shed light on critical aspects of managing NCDs, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary approaches and knowledge exchange.
Following the presentations by Dr. Taofeek Owonikoko and Dr. Mark Gladwin, the discussion at the Academic Seminar Series delved deeper into the burden of Sickle Cell disease in Africa, with Nigeria bearing the largest share.
Dr. Owonikoko, a renowned Sickle Cell Disease specialist, emphasized the alarming prevalence of the condition in Nigeria. “More children live with Sickle Cell disease here than in any other country worldwide,” he revealed. While celebrating longer lifespans for survivors, he cautioned that recurrent episodes were now leading to organ complications.
In a rallying call to African medical scientists, Dr. Owonikoko urged them to focus on diseases unique to the continent. Collaborating with researchers globally, he emphasized, would yield innovative solutions to tackle this pressing health challenge
Representing CMUL’s Provost, Professor David Oke, Deputy Prof. Daniel Odebity praised the CCTRIS seminar series for disseminating cutting-edge research in Medical Science. The event concluded with Prof. Bosede Afolabi expressing gratitude to both on-site and online participants, reaffirming the commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration.
