National Wire About Nigerians, Nigerian Business and Other Stories
By Blessing Osemobor
A non governmental organisation, Thyroid Awareness and Support Initiative (TASI) has marked the International Thyroid Awareness Week in Lagos.
The organisation commemorated the day with the 3rd public lecture in collaboration with the Thyroid Association of Nigeria.
Welcoming the participants at the event, founder of TASI, Ambassador Iruoma Ofortube, emphasised the importance of the program as a cross-sectoral event aimed at raising awareness among various stakeholders, including government officials, medical experts, members of the larger society, family members, employers, colleagues, spouses of patients, community leaders, corporate organisations, international organisations and the general public.
The event with the theme: “Thyroid and Genetics” has the goal to shed light on the challenges and suffering experienced by individuals living with thyroid diseases and to explore holistic approaches for providing sustainable solutions.
Ofortube highlighted the underreporting of thyroid disease in Africa, often due to a lack of diagnosis.
She also emphasised that ignorance poses a greater threat than the disease itself, stating further that thyroid disease predominantly affects women and can lead to infertility and other debilitating consequences.
According to her, “The stigma associated with goiter, a visible symptom of thyroid disease, is gradually diminishing.
“In the past, individuals with goiter faced job losses and livelihood challenges due to misconceptions about its contagiousness.
“However, awareness has increased, dispelling the notion that the disease is infectious or transmissible,” she explained.
Dr. Adeyemi Afolabi, a Senior Lecturer and Consultant Surgeon from the University College Hospital in Ibadan, who delivered the keynote lecture, explained that, “While some thyroid disorders can be attributed to iodine deficiency, others are rooted in genetic traits within families.”
Afolabi however advised thyroid patients with hypertension to moderate their iodine salt intake.
Professor Olufemi Fasanmade, from the Department of Medicine at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, encouraged people living with the ailment, assuring the audience that, “Thyroid disease can be controlled, managed, and treated.”
He also emphasised the importance of seeking help from specialists and recognised endocrinologists.
Stella Akpangbo, one of the thyroid disease survivors also known as “Champions,” shared her testimony during the event.
She expressed gratitude for TASI’s support and highlighted the fear of death experienced by many due to ignorance about the curability of the disease through surgery.
Akpangbo emphasised that “Surgery is a corrective measure to combat thyroid disease.”
At the conclusion of the event, awards were presented to Dr. Afolabi, Dr. Patrick Okorie, and Juliet Madowoba, the Eastern Regional Coordinator of TASI, by Hon. Cally Odoemenam, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the organisation.
The 3rd public lecture organised by TASI and the Thyroid Association of Nigeria successfully raised awareness about thyroid diseases, their impact on individuals, and the importance of seeking proper medical care.
The event served as a platform for education, dispelling misconceptions, and promoting a holistic approach to addressing thyroid-related challenges.
