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THE NIGERIAN INITIATIVE. A Presentation to the Council of ICO on the occasion of the G.O.H. Naumann Award for Leadership in Global Eye Care June 26, 2008, Hong Kong B.G.K. Ajayi MBBS, MHS Past President, Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN) . Acknowledgement I.
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THE NIGERIAN INITIATIVE A Presentation to the Council of ICO on the occasion of the G.O.H. Naumann Award for Leadership in Global Eye Care June 26, 2008, Hong Kong B.G.K. Ajayi MBBS, MHS Past President, Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN)
Acknowledgement I It is an undeniable fact that there would have been no award if I didn't have the opportunity to serve as President of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN) And serving as president, if I didn't receive such cooperation never ever given to any OSN president before me.
In The Beginning Immediately after my election, a meeting conveyed to map out a strategic direction to revitalise the society. Major potential week points identified and include: 1. Lack of records – of any kind – membership; financial and general data about the profession in Nigeria 2. Poor finances 3. Shifting secretariat 4. Poor quality of our meetings 5. Lack of access to information 6. Training problems
Immediate Steps Taken Establishment of a National Secretariat Appointment of an Executive Secretary Identified factors gradually but steadily tackled. For the first time we knew our numbers and had a list of all ophthalmologists in Nigeria and locations Annual dues were collected Attendance at our meetings soared International faculty was represented at our meetings. Financially, for the first time we had surplus of income over expenditure.
Acknowledgement II The Coming Of The International Council Of Ophthalmology (ICO) There could not have been an award if we were not fortunate to have the ICO visit us, and visiting us, starting a chain of revolutionary events in eye care in Nigeria and in the rest of the developing world.
THE VISIT OF ICO Distinct concerns were raised about the following: 1. Low volume of patients and surgery in training centres 2. Lack of sub-specialists and subs-speciality equipment 3. Need for trainers to update Professional and Educational skills Already OSN had taken the following steps: 1. Establishment of the Medical Resource Center with Internet access at the OSN Secretariat in Ibadan; 2. Continuing Medical Education Programme 3. Train The Trainer’s Project 4. The establishment of sub-speciality groups.
Actions Taken By The ICO Through ICO, AAO donated Basic Clinical Science Ophthalmology text-books to 19 institutions in Nigeria. The ICO established Resource centres to provide high speed internet access for 6 Training Institutions. With cooperation of IAPB, UCH, Ibadan was designated as the ICO/IAPB/CARL ZEISS Comprehensive Regional Training Centre for West Africa.
Response to ICO's Intervention Response dramatic and electrifying. Annual total cataract surgery in UCH before intervention varied between 150 to 400. Now between 80 to 150 per month, despite severe challenges (lack of electricity, bureaucratic, financial, transportation etc.) The target is 300 per month. OUTSIDE UCH Other training centres have taken a cue from UCH and increases of 25 to 100% in surgical output recorded. Sub-speciality units of glaucoma, paediatric ophthalmology and anterior segment now established in nearly all training centres.
Vision For The Future-Nigeria OSN's Strategic Plan. Vision for the Future-Nigeria was based on the beautiful work done by the ICO. Was more than a plan - It was a commitment to take our destiny in our hands! OSN Foundation was established to support the objectives of the Strategic Plan.
Acknowledgement III Private Sector Participation Nor could there have been an award without the tremendous and unparalleled support for eye care given by the private sector especially the Catholic Mission and in particular His Excellency, Archbishop Felix Job, whose belief in our programme made him to give top priority to eye care.
Private Sector Involvement St. Mary's Catholic Eye Hospital, Ago-Iwoye - set up in response to a request for public sector assistance for access to service - and to provide training volume for residents in UCH when government hospitals were at a standstill. Eleta Eye Institute, Ibadan, AM-EYE Clinic Eruwa and Atupa Eye Clinic Iseyin are the latest additions. Have signed MOU to work with UCH as part of the Carl Zeiss Training Centre. Will provide a model for a sustainable comprehensive eye care service for communities in Nigeria.
Acknowledgement IV Finally, there would have been no award if there were no wonderful men and women who left the warm comfort of their homes and countries for the hot, humid and often times uncomfortable climate of our world, slaving day and night to make our hapless people see and have a taste of the best eye care the world can give.
Prof. Gottfried Otto Helmut Naumann A giant of ophthalmology – a giant in physical stature and in academic profile. Will not attempt to delve into his academic profile because it is well known to you all. Still I must mention his leadership qualities. - Gentle and Soft spoken - Makes one feel at home at all times. - Uses gentle persuasion as a tool to get his points across
Fritz Naumann - He never once showed distress or discomfort despite the harsh weather. - Has wonderful listening ears - He was always giving encouragement - And showed an abundance of wisdom and energy - Made many useful suggestions for us to follow. - He is a visionary and a great motivator - A truly great leader. Professor Emeritus Gottfried Otto Helmut Naumann affectionately called “Fritz.”
Fritz Naumann I can hear him say “Ben, my dear colleague, my friend Ajayi” And in return I say, “Fritz, I thank God for giving you to the world of ophthalmology.” If only ophthalmologists could rule the world, what a great world it would be! We salute a GREAT LEADER
The Journey Has Just Begun Now we have arrived on the plain, And can see that the journey has just begun. It hasn't been easy and not without pain. The greatest obstacle – coming together To work for common good we've conquered. We're now renewed in our conviction That together we can and we shall, Free our people from avoidable blindness. And give a true meaning to this award.
Thank You Midway up the ladder, I wanted to give up Because the incline was rather steep. Some friends came round and said, It's easier to keep up the journey to the top That in coming down I might slip and fall heavily to the ground. They did more than that! They smoothened the journey up By making the incline less steep. And in addition, gave me a gentle lift. Thank God For Great Friends!