Health experts and stakeholders have stressed the need for Nigerians to embrace self-care practices as a critical strategy for improving health and reducing the pressure on the country’s overstretched healthcare system.
This was the central message at the second edition of the D’Bio Wellness & Selfcare Summit, held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Conference and Exhibition Centre, Ikeja.
With the theme “Self-Care as a Driver of Optimal Health and Wellness,” the summit highlighted the growing health challenges in the country and the urgent need for individuals to take greater responsibility for their own well-being.
Convener of the summit, Dr. Monica Hemben Eimunjeze, said self-care must be seen as a shared responsibility that cuts across different sectors of society.
She emphasized that improving health literacy and engaging young people were critical to achieving sustainable wellness outcomes.
Keynote speaker, Dr. Victor ‘Gbenga Afolabi, CEO of Hazon Holdings, described self-care as “no longer optional but essential,” noting that simple preventive measures could reduce hospital visits and promote healthier lifestyles.
He stressed the importance of supportive policies and access to affordable health products to help citizens practice self-care effectively.
Representatives of the pharmaceutical sector also called for increased awareness and education, observing that many Nigerians still lack adequate knowledge of preventive health practices.
They underscored that wellness should go beyond the absence of illness, advocating for a holistic approach to physical, mental, and emotional health.
The summit featured panel discussions, goodwill messages, and a product exhibition showcasing innovations in wellness and preventive health solutions.
Participants agreed that a stronger culture of self-care could improve productivity, reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases, and complement government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the healthcare sector.
The event drew participants from the health sector, academia, civil society, and other professions, reflecting a growing recognition that wellness is not only a medical concern but also a social and economic imperative.
Reporting By Niran Odufayo