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By Vivian Onyebukwa
Experts said that there is an increase in the cases of prostate disorders among Nigerian men, while emphasizing the need for proactive prostate health measures, encouraged Medical Laboratory Scientists to engage in scientific research and development to create test kits, vaccines, drugs, and protocols.
They disclosed this at the 59th Annual Scientific Conference of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Lagos State branch, with the theme, “Holistic Approach to Prostate Disorders: Integrating Multidisciplinary Strategies for Precision Diagnosis.”
Keynote address by Dr. Rufus Ojewola, College of Medicine, University of Lagos and Consultant Urological Surgeon, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos, underscored the critical role of laboratory evaluations in diagnosing and managing prostatic diseases.
He noted a significant rise in prostate disorders among Nigerian men, emphasizing the need for proactive prostate health measures.
Communiqué issued at the end of the conference said: “Disorders such as: benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, and prostate cancer are becoming more prevalent, as researchers indicates that black men are 70 per cent more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men and nearly 2.3 times more likely to die from the disease”
He advised that men undergo regular health screenings, especially as they age, to facilitate early detection and treatment of prostate disorders, and recommended screening methods including prostate specific antigen (PSA) tests z diagnostic measures.
The pivotal role of Medical Laboratory Scientists in the Nigerian health system was highlighted, emphasizing their importance in medical diagnoses and prescriptions.
Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare was urged to support the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN)’s accreditation efforts for both private and public laboratories.
According to the communiqué, approximately 3,000 medical laboratory scientists left Nigeria in the past two years. The government was called upon to address these issues to retain healthcare professionals.
Medical laboratory scientists were encouraged to engage in scientific research and development to create test kits, vaccines, drugs and protocols.
