Outline
- Leadership and Membership
- Continuing Medical Education
- Annual General Meeting
- Decoration of Prof. Ayuba I. Zoakah as Board of Trustees member
- Commemoration of special Public Health Days
- Monkey Pox outbreak awareness media campaign
- Promotion of members
- Appointment of member as Chief Medical Director of Jos University Teaching Hospital
- Representation at Recent Annual National Conferences
- Leadership And Membership
The present leadership of Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN) Plateau State Branch were appointed during congress of 15th December 2020. They include:
| Serial number | Name | Position |
| 1 | Dr. Gwomson, D. | Ex-Officio II |
| 2 | Dr. Bupwatda, P. W | Ex-Officio I |
| 3 | Dr. Tony-Okeke, C. | Treasurer |
| 4 | Dr. Gofung, C. | Public Relations Officer (PRO) |
| 5. | Dr. Achema, T. | Assistant Secretary until April 2022 |
| 5 | Dr. Otokpa, E. | Assistant Secretary from May 2022 |
| 6 | Dr. Okoh, E. | Secretary |
| 7 | Dr. Amaike, C. | Deputy Chairperson |
| 8 | Prof. Lar. L | Chairperson |
The following are financial members of APHPN Plateau State chapter for the year 2022
| Name | Rank | |
| 1 | Prof. ZOAKAH Ayuba | Consultant |
| 2 | Prof. OGBONNA Chikaike | Consultant |
| 3 | Prof. CHIRDAN Oluwabunmi | Consultant |
| 4 | Prof. BANWAT Mathilda | Consultant |
| 5 | Prof. ENVULADU Esther | Consultant |
| 6 | Prof. AGBO Hadiza | Consultant |
| 7 | Prof. CHINGLE Moses | Consultant |
| 8 | Dr. BUPWATDA Pokop | Consultant |
| 9 | Dr. AKOSU Tyavyar | Consultant |
| 10 | Prof. MINER Chundung | Consultant |
| 11 | Prof. DABOER Jonathan | Consultant |
| 12 | Prof. LAR Luret | Consultant |
| 13 | Prof. AFOLARANMI Tolulope | Consultant |
| 14 | Dr. AMAIKE Chikwendu | Consultant |
| 15 | Dr. MAFWALAL Bunah | Consultant |
| 16 | Dr. OKOH Elizabeth | Consultant |
| 17 | Dr. GOFUNG Cornelius | Resident doctor |
| 18 | Dr. AKINSULIRE Ayodele | Resident doctor |
| 19 | Dr. DOGO Joy | Resident doctor |
| 20 | Dr. SODIPO Olutomi | Resident doctor |
| 21 | Dr. PAM-TOK Alice | Resident doctor |
| 22 | Dr. ODOH Alikeju | Resident doctor |
| 23 | Dr. MAIMAGANI Christopher | Resident doctor |
| 24 | Dr. ADEOYE Philip | Resident doctor |
| 25 | Dr. ACHEMA Ataguba | Resident doctor |
| 26 | Dr. ISMAILA Esther | Resident doctor |
| 27 | Dr. AULE Sarah | Resident doctor |
| 28 | Dr. KWATMEN Hilary | Resident doctor |
| 29 | Dr. ADAMU Ummikulthum | Resident doctor |
| 30 | Dr. SHINDANG Maryam | Resident doctor |
| 31 | Dr. TONY-OKEKE Tobechukwu | Resident doctor |
| 32 | Dr. ONOJA Martha | Resident doctor |
| 33 | Dr. UDOH Philips | Resident doctor |
| 34 | Dr. ZOAKAH Joy | Resident doctor |
| 35 | Dr. JWANTU Mundi | Resident doctor |
| 36 | Dr. FAYENUWO James | Resident doctor |
| 37 | Dr. BRAIMAH Mehana | Resident doctor |
| 38 | Dr. ADENIJI Tolu | Resident doctor |
| 39 | Dr. EMERIBE Nana | Resident doctor |
| 40 | Dr. OTOKPA Elijah | Resident doctor |
| 41 | Dr. AYIGA Eugene | Resident doctor |
| 42 | Dr. LONGPOE Schola | Resident doctor |
| 43 | Dr. MAIGAMO Nuhu | Resident doctor |
| 44 | Dr. BULUS Naya | Resident doctor |
| 45 | Dr. SAMBO Jacob | Resident doctor |
| 46 | Dr. OGBAJI Ferdinand | Resident doctor |
| 47 | Dr. BIRDLING Nathaniel | Resident doctor |
| 48 | Dr. OTARO Winifred | Resident doctor |
| 49 | Dr. AJIJI Retplang | Resident doctor |
| 50 | Dr. DASAT-ABSALOM Grace | Resident doctor |
| 51 | Dr. AHGU Ovye | Resident doctor |
| 52 | Dr. NKALA Chibuzor | Resident doctor |
| 53 | Dr. MAKPUT Bala | Resident doctor |
| 54 | Dr. MSHELIA Suleiman | Resident doctor |
| 55 | Dr. NNOROM Onome | Resident doctor |
| 56 | Dr. BALOGUN Ruth | Resident doctor |
| 57 | Dr. IDUH Damian | Resident doctor |
| 58 | Dr. OKORIE Godwin | Resident doctor |
| 59 | Dr. BELIN David | Resident doctor |
| 60 | Dr. UBANYI Tina | Resident doctor |
| 61 | Dr. MOHAMMED Amina L. | Resident doctor |
| 62 | Dr. WAKAWA Samaila | Resident doctor |
| 63 | Dr. DABANG Franca | Resident doctor |
2. Continuing Medical Education
The Continuing Medical Education (CME) organized by the Plateau State branch of APHPN was held virtually from the 27th to 28th of January 2022. It was titled “MEDICAL RESEARCH: SHARING THE EXPERIENCE.”
Moderator
Dr. Cornelius Gofung, (JUTH
Speakers
Prof. Alphonsus Isara, National president, APHPN
Dr. Luret Lar, Chairman, APHPN, Plateau State branch
Dr. Olugbenga Oguntunde, Bingham University
Dr. Tolulope Afolaranmi, JUTH /University of Jos
Prof. Andrew Booth, School of Health, and Related Research (ScHARR), University of Sheffield, United Kingdom (UK)
Dr. Mamza Jabani. Jos University Teaching Hospital
Date and Time
Thursday 27 January 2022 from 09:00am to 02:33pm
Friday 28 January 2022 from 09:00am to 01:10pm
Introduction
The Day 1 session began with the CME series. There was an opening remark by the APHPN national president Prof. Alphonsus Isara, as well as the chairman of APHPN, Plateau State branch Dr. Luret Lar. The first presentation delivered by Prof. Audu of Federal University Otukpo on behalf of Prof. Oguntunde was focused on an overview of medical research where the major characteristics of research, various types of research, and the basic steps in conducting t medical research were described. The second presentation by Dr. Afolaranmi was a lecture on an overview of quantitative research method, questionnaire design and challenges. A practical session on Mendeley citation manager led by Dr. Mamza, was taken between both sessions.
The Day 2 session began with a presentation on an overview of qualitative research by Dr. Lar which was followed by the second practical session on the Mendeley citation manager by Dr. Mamza. The last presentation for the program was a lecture on qualitative evidence synthesis by an international guest speaker, Prof. Booth.
a. Welcome Address
(a) Prof. Alphonsus Isara, National President, APHPN.
Prof. Isara welcomed everyone to the program, and thanked Plateau State branch for the initiative to host such a timely and innovative program. He expressed his desire for more collaborations and like programs among APHPN branches.
b. Presentation by speakers
(b) Dr. Olugbenga Oguntunde, Department of Community Medicine and Primary Healthcare (PHC), Bingham University
Dr. Oguntunde presented “A Brief Overview of Medical Research”. He emphasised that research was a scientific investigation of facts and relationship to establish dependable solutions to problems through systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of data. He also mentioned the importance of research as well as an extensive overview of the research framework.
(c) Dr. Tolulope Afolaranmi, Department of Community Medicine, Jos University Teaching Hospital/University of Jos
Dr. Afolaranmi presented, “Overview of Quantitative Research Methods”. He reiterated the importance of research as well as mentioning that research was not restricted by location or by process. He also went through the steps in conducting research. He concluded with the challenges of quantitative research, which is mainly the inability to accurately measure some things.
(d) Dr. Luret Lar, Chairman, APHPN, Plateau State branch
Dr. Lar presented, “Overview of Qualitative Research” with a focus on interviewing. She stated that the purpose of qualitative studies was to obtain in-depth and contextual information about an individual experiences, beliefs, perceptions, motivations, or values, and to explore reasons, opinions and attitudes behind the responses of participants, through asking probing questions to gain a deeper understanding/more information and explanation. It was a highly interactive presentation with breakout sessions and shared experiences.
(e) Prof. Andrew Booth, ScHARR, University of Sheffield, UK
Prof. Booth presented, “Sharing the experience harvested from qualitative research: How can Nigeria and other health systems benefit from qualitative evidence synthesis (QES)?” He defined QES, as a type of systematic review that brings together the findings from primary qualitative research in a systematic way. He also mentioned that the aim of a QES was to establish a greater understanding of issues, often of a subtle or sensitive nature, that primary qualitative research frequently addresses. He demystified QES as a broad term for the group of methods used to undertake systematic reviews of qualitative research evidence. Lastly, he stated that Nigeria could benefit from QES by partnering with international methodologists to increase local capacity to conduct QES amongst other ways.
(f) Dr. Mamza Jabani. JUTH
Dr. Mamza facilitated a practical session on Mendeley citation manager. It was a highly participatory and hands-on session, as attendees were taken through the steps of installing and operating the Mendeley citation manager.
- Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of APHPN Plateau State branch was held on 28th January 2022 via zoom. It had in attendance, 38 members with apologies from 3 members. The meeting was chaired by the branch chairman, Dr. Lar and lasted between 1.00pm and 2.47pm. Discussions revolved around previous year’s activities, financial reports, and the forthcoming National conference.
4. Decoration of Prof. Ayuba I. Zoakah as Board of Trustees Member of the Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria
The APHPN Board of Trustees (BoT) is made up of members of APHPN who have distinguished themselves as Public Health Physicians and contributed immensely to the growth of the association. They are elected to serve as guardians for the association by ensuring that the core values and vision of the association are protected and maintained. Prof A.I. Zoakah was elected to serve as a BoT Member during the 38th Annual Scientific Conference of APHPN held on the 7th – 11th May 2022 in Ilorin.
a. Decoration Event
On Thursday 9th May 2022, Prof A.I. Zoakah was decorated as a BoT member of the association with the APHPN lapel pin by the Plateau State branch of APHPN. The event was conducted in the Seminar Hall A of the JUTH and chaired by the state branch Chairman, Dr. Luret Lar. Attendance was both physical and virtual with the National President Prof. Alphonsus Isara, Prof O. O. Chirdan, Head of Department of Community Medicine Dr. E. A. Envuladu and other members of Plateau State branch all present at the occasion.
The National President gave an opening remark, where he appreciated Prof. A.I. Zoakah for his contributions towards the growth of the association and congratulated him for his selection as a BoT member. The state Chairman also appreciated Prof. A.I. Zoakah for the fatherly role he has and is still playing to make the state branch of APHPN stand out. Other goodwill messages were shared by members present at the occasion. Prof. Zoakah was very appreciative of the new role placed on his shoulders and promised to be more committed to the association and deliver to the best of his ability.
Pictures of Event
Decoration of Prof. Ayuba Ibrahim Zoakah as a member of Bot of APHPN with the APHPN lapel pin
Prof. A. I. Zoakah, BoT member of APHPN
Prof. Zoakah with other members of the Plateau State branch of the association
5. The Commemoration of Special Public Health Days
a. Introduction
International public health days are commemorations that draw the attention of the public to issues, events, or diseases of public health concern. There are many days of the year that have been set aside to increase awareness on the various public health problems that affect our world of today. However, few very important days have been selected by the Plateau State Branch of APHPN and celebrated since the beginning of the year 2022.
b. World Tuberculosis Day (24th March 2022)
The theme of the world Tuberculosis (TB) day was “Invest to end TB. Save lives.” As a way of marking this special day, the State branch of the association created more public awareness about TB and its prevention. A media engagement was carried out by the State branch of the association to mark the world TB Day. A phone-in radio programme with Highland frequency modulation (FM) 101.5 on the theme of the day was held on the 23rd of March 2022. This was anchored by Dr. Okoh and Dr. Mafwalal (the Plateau State Secretary General and immediate past Vice Chairman/current State Director of Public Health respectively).
c. World Health Day (7TH APRIL 2022)
The World Health Day with the theme: Our Planet, Our Health, was marked by the State branch of APHPN as part of the global effort to create awareness and focus attention on the health of our planet and people living on it. Activities carried out included the following:
A radio programme on Peace FM 90.5 on the 5th of April 2022. This was anchored by APHPN members, Drs. Emeribe and Birdling who sensitized the public on the theme of the World Health Day.
A television programme aired by Nigeria Television Authority Jos on the 7th of April by Dr. Gofung and Dr. Achema (the State Branch’s PRO and then Assistant Secretary General respectively) to discuss the theme of the day.
A virtual round-table discussion on the theme of the day was held on the 7th of April 2022 in the Department of Community Medicine, JUTH, in collaboration with Africa Zero Waste Recycling Partnership Initiative (AZWRPI), a Non-Governmental Organization. The presentation is attached below.
Tree planting exercise by Executives and members of the State branch within the vicinity of JUTH, with the Acting Chief Medical Director (CMD) of JUTH (immediate past Chairman of APHPN Plateau State branch) actively in attendance.
Ag. CMD (Ex-Officio I, APHPN Plateau)
planting trees on World Health Day
Other members of APHPN Plateau Branch planting trees
d. World Malaria Day (25th April 2022)
The theme of the world malaria day was “Harness innovation to reduce the malaria disease burden and save lives.” Media engagements were carried out to commemorate the day by APHPN Plateau. This included a television programmed aired by NTA Jos on the 25th of April 2022 where Dr Gofung (branch PRO) discussed the theme of the World Malaria Day. In a similar fashion, Dr. Joy Zoakah represented the association on Highland FM 101.5 on the 28th of April 2022 where she talked extensively on the theme of the day and sensitized the public on Malaria and COVID-19.
6. Monkey Pox Outbreak Awareness Media Campaign
The Association was on air through the radio and television to educate Plateau citizens and other listeners outside the State on rising cases of Monkey Pox disease, it’s cause, signs and symptoms, complications, and preventive measures as follows.
Tuesday, 7th June 2022
Time: 9 – 10 am at Peace 90.5 FM Jos (radio)
Discussants – Drs. Philip Udoh and Grace Dasat of the Department of Community Medicine, Jos University Teaching Hospital.
Wednesday, 8th June 2022
Time – 10:30 – 11:00 am at Highland 101.5 FM Jos (radio)
Discussants – Drs. Ummul-kulthum and Bala Makput of the Department of Community Medicine, Jos University Teaching Hospital.
Questions asked were:
What is Monkey Pox?
What are the symptoms of Monkey Pox?
How can one get the disease?
What preventive measure should the people take?
Is there any treatment or vaccine for the disease?
How worried should Nigerians be about the disease?
Wednesday, 8th June 2022
Time – 3:00 – 4:00 pm at Plateau Radio Television Corporation Jos (TV)
Discussants – Drs. Damian Iduh and Onome Nnorom of the Department of Community Medicine, Jos University Teaching Hospital.
Questions asked were;
What is Monkey Pox?
Where does it originate from?
What is the cause of the ongoing outbreak?
How can someone contact the disease?
What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?
What should someone do if he/she notice the symptoms of monkey pox?
How bad is the current outbreak?
Is there any treatment or vaccine for the disease?
What are the preventive measures against the disease?
7 Promotion of Members
The following members were promoted to the rank of Professor at the University of Jos:
1. Prof. Envuladu E.
2. Prof. Chingle M.
3. Prof. Lar L.
4. Prof. Daboer J.
5. Prof. Miner C.
6. Prof. Agbo H.
7. Prof. Afolaranmi T.
Dr. Akosu T. was promoted to the rank of Reader at the University of Jos
Dr. Okoh, E was also promoted to senior lecturer
- Appointment of a Member as Substantive Chief Medical Director, JUTH
The year 2022 witnessed yet another pleasant event with the appointment of our immediate past State chairperson and Ex. Officio I, in the person of Dr. Bupwatda Pokop, as the substantive Chief Medical Director, JUTH. The Plateau State branch of the association paid a courtesy visit the newly appointed CMD to felicitate with him on the appointment. He promised to engage and collaborate with the association whenever the need arises.
9. Representation at Recent Annual National Conferences
The Branch has been known and acknowledged at the National level for good representation at annual national conferences in terms of attendance, presentation of abstracts and remittance of annual dues. The State Chairman presented an oral abstract at the 2022 National conference titled, which has been published in the international, high impact Conflict and Health journal.
Three abstracts have been submitted for the upcoming 2023 national conference as follows:
- Lar, LA, Akosu, JT, Bupwatda, PW, Ogbeyi GO, ⁎Odoh, AF, Okorie, CG, Dabang, FT Maigamo, NY, Udoh, PA, Adamu, U, Iduh, D Makput B, Mang, C, Mathew, M,Tony-Okeke, TO, Chirdan, OO. Knowledge, attitude, and practices associated with hospital-based, electronic health services: a mixed methods study at Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State, Nigeria
- Miner, CA, Adeyi, HA, Huni, UJ, Okoli, OG, Kwatmen, HD. Assessment of microbial contamination of mobile phones of healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital of Plateau State, Nigeria.
- Miner, CA, Braimah MA,Ajiji, R, Zoakah, JH, Ogbaji FI.An assessment of the environmental health impact of road construction: A case study of British America Junction, Plateau State.
- Dogo JM, Nkala CA, Ezenwko, ZA, Odu-odeh VE, Chinuruekpere IG, Oganwu VN, Envuladu EA. Contraceptive knowledge and utilization among sexually active adolescent in selected secondary schools in Jos Plateau State Nigeria. -Accepted
- Ismaila EL, Nkala CA, Adeosun PA, Audu AM, Iliya JA, Ezenwoko AZ, Envuladu E. Gender-Based Violence and associated factors among adolescents in secondary schools in Lamingo, Jos North Local Government, Plateau State.
