Nigerian Orthopaedic Association Holds 48th AGM and Scientific Conference

The Nigerian Orthopaedic Association (NOA) convened its 48th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference on Thursday, 27th November 2025, at the Manhattan Hall and Signature Tower Hotel and Suites, Jericho, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The event focused on Musculoskeletal Infections: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment, with two key sub-themes: Open Fracture Care: Challenges and Solutions and Total Hip Replacement (THR) in Sickle Cell Disease Patients: Strategies, Challenges, and Outcomes.

In his welcome address, NOA President, Prof. Sydney Ibeanusi, highlighted the significant burden musculoskeletal infections impose on patients, healthcare systems, and communities, particularly in Nigeria. He stressed the importance of developing effective prevention and management strategies and called for innovative, context-specific solutions to address these challenges.

Prof. Ibeanusi noted, "This conference will also focus on key areas, including Open Fracture Care and Total Hip Replacement in patients with sickle cell disease, concentrating on the need for innovative and context-appropriate solutions to tackle these challenges."

Representing the Honourable Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Chief Medical Director of University College Hospital, Ibadan, Prof. Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo, highlighted that musculoskeletal infections remain a growing concern in Nigeria and across Africa. He noted that late presentation, limited diagnostic resources, antimicrobial resistance, and trauma burdens contribute to the severity of these conditions.

Prof. Otegbayo added that the Ministry of Health is addressing these challenges through several initiatives, including strengthening the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System for timely patient transport and early intervention, expanding infection control capacity in surgical facilities, upgrading orthopaedic and trauma units with essential consumables and imaging equipment, and standardising protocols across institutions to improve patient outcomes.

The conference brought together leading orthopaedic specialists, healthcare practitioners, and policymakers to deliberate on innovative strategies aimed at reducing the burden of musculoskeletal infections and improving patient care across the region.