Lagos: The Convener of D’Bio Wellness and Self-care, Dr. Monica Eimunjeze, has called for collective action to enforce self-care initiatives among citizens to improve health outcomes in Nigeria. Eimunjeze made the call at the second edition of the D’Bio Wellness and Self-care Summit on Saturday in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the summit, themed ‘Self-Care as a Driver of Optimal Health and Wellness,’ aims to elevate awareness and cultivate a culture of self-care among Nigerians. It brought together health advocates, stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector, industry professionals, community leaders, and representatives from various sectors, including entertainment and education.
The convener emphasized the summit’s goals, reflecting the pressing need to address health outcomes across the country by prioritizing self-care as an accessible and essential element of overall well-being. She noted that the summit planned to engage diverse groups, particularly youth, through various platforms, such
as entertainment and journalism, to drive health messages home.
Eimunjeze highlighted the importance of widespread health literacy, noting that it was crucial for individuals to take active roles in their health. She listed the seven pillars of self-care outlined by the International Self-care Foundation (ISF), which include health literacy, nutrition, physical exercise, rational use of products, and mental health.
Representing the Chairman of the event, Mr. Friday Enaholo, Assistant General Manager (Marketing) at Fidson Pharmaceuticals, underscored the foundational concept of self-love as essential to achieving wellness. In his opening remarks, Enaholo stated that one could look healthy and be sick inside, stressing that true wellness encompassed both physical and mental health. He urged participants to support D’Bio Wellness in its respective fields, enhancing public awareness and empowering individuals to become ambassadors of the self-care movement.
Dr. Victor Afolabi, the Chief Executive Officer of Ha
zon Holdings and Co-Founder of Wellness HMO, emphasized the urgent need for self-care in the current healthcare landscape of Nigeria. In his keynote address, Afolabi outlined the dual burden of infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes. He described the nation’s healthcare challenges, including an overstretched health system marked by a 1:10,000 doctor-to-patient ratio and soaring healthcare costs.
Reiterating the Six Pillars of Self-Care, Afolabi emphasized the importance of structured, evidence-based approaches to health management. He reinforced the economic and social benefits of prioritizing self-care within communities, calling for supportive policies, access to affordable healthcare tools, and widespread education to fully integrate self-care in the country.
The summit also welcomed dignitaries, including Dr. Fidelis Akhagboso Ayebae, Chairman of Fidson Healthcare Plc, represented by Friday Enaholo, and Assistant Director from the Lagos State Ministry
of Health, Omomowo Omolara, among others. Invited guests, including stakeholders and industry leaders, shared goodwill messages, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing self-care initiatives and fostering healthier communities. Their support underscored the importance of collaboration across sectors to drive meaningful change in public health.
Guests were treated to an engaging product presentation and tour exhibition, showcasing innovative health and wellness solutions.
