The Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) inaugurated a transformative training program on the genomics of sepsis, drawing participants and experts from across Nigeria and the United States. The initiative aims to equip healthcare professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and hands-on experience to improve the diagnosis and management of sepsis through advancements in genomic technologies.
In his opening remarks, Professor Stephen Oguche of the Pediatrics department JUTH emphasized the training’s significance in revolutionizing sepsis diagnosis and pathogen characterization, given the rising challenges and costs associated with conventional diagnostic methods. He stressed the need for modern, cost-effective solutions and expressed hope that the training would enhance participants’ skills in comprehensive patient care.
A series of goodwill messages followed, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the event. Dr. Josiah Njem Miner, the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, welcomed visitors from the United States and cities such as Zaria and Kano. He lauded the partnership as a cornerstone of JUTH’s commitment to research, training, and patient care. Professor Tina Slusher, a long-time collaborator with JUTH, reflected on her 36-year relationship with Nigeria and her extensive work in genomics and infection control. She also shared her personal journey, which included addressing severe neonatal jaundice and infections in Delta State, inspiring her passion for genomics.
Professor Shamsudeen Aliyu of Ahmadu Bello University shared his enthusiasm for the training, emphasizing its potential to advance genomics, bioinformatics, and antimicrobial resistance research. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and expand his expertise. Similarly, Professor Jamil Abubakar from Bayero University Kano, highlighted his background in virology and pathogen sequencing, acknowledging the value of collaboration in tackling infectious diseases. Prof. Abraham Dogo from NVRI Vom also reiterated the importance of genomics and proteomics in healthcare, pledging his center’s resources and expertise to support the training’s objectives.
Dr. Pokop Bupwatda, the Chief Medical Director of JUTH, while delivering his address, underscoring the importance of collaboration in advancing medical research and training, highlighted the dynamic nature of medicine and the need for continuous learning to improve patient outcomes. Dr. Bupwatda reaffirmed JUTH’s commitment to ensuring participants gain practical experience during the training and extended gratitude to the visiting experts for their dedication to the cause. He officially declared the training open, marking the beginning of a new chapter in sepsis research and management at JUTH.
As part of the program, Professor Tina Slusher generously donated specialized phototherapy lights to the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU). This donation, she noted, was aimed at improving neonatal care and reducing mortality rates associated with neonatal sepsis and jaundice.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Prof.Kemi Ige the head of department pediatrics, who expressed gratitude to the visiting experts, JUTH management, and all participants for their commitment to the training. She highlighted the longstanding partnerships that have significantly contributed to improving healthcare in Nigeria.
This training underscores JUTH’s dedication to fostering global collaborations and utilizing cutting-edge medical advancements to address pressing healthcare challenges.
GALLERY
