Lagos: Dr Akinsanya Olusegun-Joseph, a renowned cardiologist, has highlighted the critical impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with a particular focus on cardiovascular diseases, as leading causes of premature deaths worldwide. Speaking at the 2026 World Patient Safety Day event, hosted by Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), he underscored the significant role these diseases play in global mortality rates.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr Olusegun-Joseph emphasized that non-communicable diseases are responsible for over 75 percent of all deaths globally, necessitating persistent efforts to enhance patient safety and healthcare delivery systems. The event, themed ‘Safe Care for Non-Communicable Diseases,’ aimed to spotlight patient safety and expedite actions towards achieving it.
Dr Olusegun-Joseph, who serves as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Lagos and a Consultant Cardiologist at LUTH, reiterated the necessity for a coordinated approach in managing NCDs. These diseases, including cardiovascular ailments, cancers, diabetes, respiratory issues, and mental health disorders, are driven by various factors such as genetic predisposition, physiological conditions, environmental influences, and lifestyle choices.
Highlighting the alarming statistics, he noted that cardiovascular diseases alone account for over 7.8 million deaths annually, with the majority occurring in low- and middle-income countries. He stressed the importance of viewing patients as central stakeholders in healthcare, as they are the focal point of care delivery.
Dr Olusegun-Joseph called on patients, healthcare professionals, relatives, hospital administrators, governments, and policymakers to collaborate in promoting safe care through education, screening, training, and early intervention. He identified key risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, tobacco use, stress, and environmental exposures.
The cardiologist urged healthcare practitioners to routinely monitor blood pressure and advised communities to seek timely medical care to prevent complications from NCDs. He advocated for healthier lifestyles, emphasizing nutritious diets, portion control, increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as regular physical activity and adequate sleep.
Dr Babawale Bello, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at LUTH, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the institution’s commitment to patient safety as a fundamental component of healthcare delivery. He reiterated the hospital’s obligation to ensure patient safety, aligning with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) global observance of World Patient Safety Day.
LUTH, as a tertiary care hospital, provides comprehensive care for patients with various conditions including hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, kidney disease, and malignancies, making the event’s theme particularly relevant to its practices. Bello emphasized that patient safety encompasses all aspects of care, from diagnostics to therapeutics and medications.
Ms Omolola Fakeye, Director of Administration at LUTH, expressed gratitude to the staff for their dedication, recognizing their valuable contributions to the institution. She encouraged healthcare graduates and professionals to consider local employment opportunities, assuring them of potential job openings.
The event also featured testimonials from patients and their families, who shared their experiences regarding patient safety and the quality of healthcare services at LUTH. Mr Solomon Osikhuemhe, whose wife was treated at the hospital, praised the professional care provided, noting the need for additional staff to meet patient demands.
Mrs Adenike Johnson, another patient’s spouse, acknowledged the significant improvement in her husband’s condition following treatment at LUTH, commending the hospital’s cleanliness and the dedication of its staff. She urged management to conduct regular inspections of wards to address any emerging challenges.