‘𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚’: As Physicians Meet in Maiduguri for Historic Summit

By Abdulkareem Haruna

MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA — This week, more than 200 health experts gathered in Maiduguri, Borno state capital, for the 42nd Annual General Meeting of the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN).

This landmark event is the first of its kind in the state, chosen both for its importance to national security and as a tribute to one of Africa’s greatest medical minds.

The conference was organized in the city to honor the late Professor Emeritus Umaru Shehu. As Nigeria’s first-ever professor of community medicine, Professor Shehu was a legend in his field. Dr. Terfa Kene, President of the APHPN, explained that meeting in Maiduguri highlights the group’s dedication to the community-focused healthcare that Shehu started decades ago.

“Public Health is a population based practice and improvement of the health and welfare of Nigerians across the ages, sex, social class, ethnic groups and religions with a sense of equity and inclusivity is a value the APHPN holds dear,” the APHPN president said.

Healthcare in Conflict Zones
The theme of the meeting, “Healing in the Crossfire,” looks at the difficult reality for doctors working in dangerous areas. Dr. Kene noted that Borno State was the perfect place for this conversation. He praised Governor Babagana Zulum for his work in rebuilding the state and helping people return home after years of conflict.

“Without peace, there can be no progress,” Dr. Kene said. “We must protect health workers on the front lines so they can do their jobs. Health is a basic right that must be protected, even during a crisis.”

Key Goals of the Meeting
The health experts discussions were focused on three main challenges, which are Climate Change and area that requires “Finding ways to provide care as the environment changes in war-torn areas; Building clinics and hospitals that can keep running even during times of violence, and Pushing the government to ensure every Nigerian gets fair medical treatment, regardless of their background or religion.”

The event features a high-profile guest list, including Dr. Yusuf T. Sununu, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs, who will deliver the keynote lecture. The group includes everyone from university professors and doctors to representatives from the United Nations.

The “Maiduguri Model”—the way the government is rebuilding and restoring health services—is the main topic of discussion. The APHPN hopes that the lessons learned at the scientific summit in the northeast can be used to help other troubled regions across the country.

Dr Kene said at the end of the scientific summit in Maiduguri it is expected that valuable solutions would be provided to the troubled regions health care gaps.

“The choice of Maiduguri is apt, given the remarkable strides the Government of Borno State through His Excellency Engr. Prof. Babagana Zulum has made in resolving conflicts, containing the violence and the remarkable humanitarian efforts in rebuilding and resettling citizens in areas of prior conflict,” said Professor Kene. He added that the Borno model, “and the lessons derived therein, could help, when implemented elsewhere, in reducing the spate of insecurity across states in the country with its attendant consequences to healthcare delivery amongst others.”