BY ABEL JOHNGOLD ORHERUATA
The Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria (PPSN) this year hosted its 46th Annual Scientific Conference and Annual General Board Meeting (AGBM) in Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State.
The society has come a long way since 1973 when it was founded in Calabar. The agenda was basically to developing parasitology that responds to African needs and training others for research and service.
This year’s conference and AGBM themed “Political Will Towards Disease Control – The African Experience”, delivered by Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga, erudite Professor of Parasitology and Public Health Consultant and Vice Chancellor, Delta State University, Abraka, held at the 750 capacity Hall of the University started on Tuesday, 4th and would end on Friday 7th October, 2022
Although it’s main focus areas include to develop an African curriculum for the training and practice of parasitology and entomology which responds to local needs, some other topics discussed at the conference include “The Nigeria Case Study In NTD Control Efforts” by the Vice Chancellor of Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, Imo State, Ikechukwu Nosike Simplicius Dozie, a Professor of Microbiology & Parasitology with devoted research interest on infectious tropical diseases; and Chinyere Nneka Ukaga, a Professor of Public Health Parasitology, who thrilled the conference with her paper titled “Agenda 2030 – Eliminating NTDs in Africa”.
In his address, Prof. Sammy O Sam-Wobo, President, PPSN, noted that it was worthy to note that we are in a near-constant state of improvement and regeneration of existing policies and scientific procedures, and PPSN has the gift of remaining contemporary to her members and their aspirations, as well as the society at large, in advancing the culture of scientific progression to measure up with global curve of rapid scientific novelties in research, prevention and control of parasitic diseases.
He said this year’s conference theme “Political Will Towards Disease Control – The African Experience”, was well chosen considering the present realities in most African countries where parasitic diseases especially Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) still hold sway and the Government going nothing to salvage the situation.
While summarizing key achievements of PPSN to include building the capacity and development of a critical mass of doctoral level scholarships for the continent, practical engagement in intellectual discourse, knowledge production, policy definition and intervention against diseases and their agents, Prof. Sam-Wobo thanked members of PPSN Council, BoT, College of Fellows, Zonal and Chapter coordinators, all members of PPSN and Local Organizing Committee for their enthusiastic commitment to ensure the success of the outstanding conference.
A special logo, designed by a member as the official logo for PPSN@50, was unveiled which kick-started awareness activities towards celebrating the Society in 2023.