The Endocrine and Metabolism Society of Nigeria (EMSON) has called for more endocrinologists, affordable medicines and improved diagnostic services to address rising cases of diabetes, obesity and other metabolic diseases nationwide.
The society said shortages of specialists, high treatment costs and limited access to diagnostic equipment and long-term care were hindering the effective management of endocrine disorders across the country.
It made the call in a communiqué issued after its 47th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Abuja on Wednesday.
The communiqué was jointly signed by EMSON President Prof. Andrew Uloko, Secretary-General Dr Oluwarotimi Olopade and Publicity Secretary Prof. Michael Olamoyegun. They identified seven challenges affecting endocrine healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
The society said insulin, blood glucose monitoring devices and newer treatments for diabetes and obesity remained unaffordable or inaccessible to many patients, making disease management increasingly difficult.
It also identified shortages and uneven distribution of endocrinologists and other specialist health professionals. The migration of trained personnel to other countries had worsened the problem, leaving significant gaps in specialist healthcare delivery.
The society expressed concern about inadequate early detection and treatment of childhood and adolescent endocrine disorders, as well as the absence of national registries for rare and congenital conditions.
In women’s health, EMSON identified polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), menopause and diabetes during pregnancy as conditions requiring improved screening, public awareness and specialist care.
It highlighted inadequate local clinical research, limited research funding, and weaknesses in primary healthcare screening, referral systems and insurance coverage for patients with endocrine conditions.
To address these challenges, EMSON resolved to advocate for more postgraduate training positions in endocrinology and metabolic medicine, strengthen mentorship and continuing education, and promote equitable distribution of specialists across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The society also pledged to engage the Federal Government, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and regulatory agencies to improve access to affordable endocrine medicines, insulin, glucose monitoring devices and diagnostic services.
It said diagnostic services should include hormone testing, and that improved affordability and availability would help patients receive timely diagnosis, treatment and ongoing care.
On diabetes care, EMSON called for services to be integrated into primary and secondary healthcare facilities, with an emphasis on blood glucose control, cardiovascular risk assessment and screening for complications.
It also advocated better patient education, support for self-management and multidisciplinary care involving relevant health professionals.
The society called for national obesity prevention and management strategies, with lifestyle medicine integrated into routine care. It recommended collaboration among physicians, nutritionists, psychologists and physiotherapists.
Such collaboration, it said, would improve the prevention and management of obesity and related metabolic conditions through coordinated, patient-centred care in healthcare facilities and communities.
For women, EMSON pledged to promote awareness, screening and treatment of reproductive and other endocrine disorders, while advocating insurance coverage for relevant healthcare services.
On childhood endocrine disorders, it proposed improved early detection, referral systems and access to specialist care, alongside national registries for rare and congenital conditions.
The society also recommended transition clinics for adolescents aged 13 to 15, where paediatric and adult endocrinologists could jointly manage patients moving into adult healthcare services.
It said this arrangement would promote continuity of treatment, reduce loss to follow-up and improve long-term health outcomes for adolescents with endocrine conditions, particularly those requiring specialist care.
EMSON further called for increased funding for locally relevant research, collaboration between Nigerian and international research institutions, and the use of findings in clinical guidelines and public health policies.
The conference, themed “Endocrine Practice in Nigeria: Improving Patient Care and Outcomes Through Advocacy,” brought together endocrinologists, diabetologists, family physicians, surgeons, obstetricians and gynaecologists, pharmacists, nurses, researchers and policymakers.
At the opening ceremony, chaired by FCT Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, keynote speaker Prof. Anas Sabir called for stronger endocrine services.
Sabir, a former chief medical director of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto, also urged better access to diagnostic services and medicines, and increased patient advocacy.
Fasawe emphasised evidence-based practice, research and collaboration among health institutions as important to improving patient care and healthcare delivery across the Federal Capital Territory.
Eight members were inducted as Fellows of the Endocrine and Metabolism Society of Nigeria (FEMSON), in recognition of their professional contributions to the specialty and the society’s development.
Prof. Chioma Unachukwu delivered the Dagogo-Jack Memorial Award Lecture, titled “From Bench to Bedside, To Population Health: The Expanding Frontiers of Endocrinology”. The conference also featured several scientific sessions.
The scientific programme included 56 research papers presented in oral and poster sessions, as well as symposia, workshops and expert discussions on endocrine practice and patient care.
At the AGM, 11 full members and seven associate members were inducted into the society, expanding its membership and professional network.
Dr Obiamaka Ede and Dr Oluchukwu Ugwunne received the Prof. Aihanuwa Theresa Eregie Memorial Awards for the best Part Two dissertations in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism.
Their dissertations were submitted to the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria and the West African College of Physicians, respectively.
Dr Ajibade Oluwaseun received the Prof. Thomas O. Johnson Memorial Award for the best abstract presentation on diabetic foot.
The society also elected a National Executive Council for the 2026–2028 term, with Uloko as president.
Other elected officers are Dr Olubiyi Adesina, Prof. Christian Okafor and Dr Ibitrokoemi Korubo as vice-presidents; Olopade as secretary-general; and Dr Beatrice Bello-Ovosi as treasurer.
Dr Ayoola Ojo was elected publicity secretary, while Prof. Andrew Edo became welfare secretary, Prof. Aderonke Samuel became curator, and Prof. Michael Olamoyegun became internal auditor.
The society’s 48th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference will be held in Enugu in September 2027.
