Africa Global Experts Forum and Diplomatic Dialogue (AGEFADD) Global Series 1 & 2 Seminar on “The Rise in Lifestyle Diseases in COVID-19 Pandemic Era: A Focus on Africa”

Rise In Lifestyle Disease In Covid - June 29, 2021
Agefadd global series

On March 30, and June 29, 2021 respectively, AGEFADD in collaboration with Swiss African Forum (SAF), hosted a virtual seminar titled “The Rise in Lifestyle Diseases in COVID-19 Pandemic Era: A Focus on Africa” as part of its Global Series. The event, moderated by Dr. Emmanuel Monica and Dr. Alexander Osarogue, was attended by a diverse audience via Zoom videoconference.

The seminar kicked off with introductory/opening remarks by Mr A.I Abdullahi, President, SAF, setting the stage for an insightful discussion on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle diseases in Africa.

  • Keynote Speakers:
  • Dr. Obadia Mailafia, Former Presidential Aspirant and Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, delivered an impactful keynote on the rise of lifestyle diseases during the COVID- 19 pandemic, focusing on the unique challenges faced by Africa.
  • Amb. A.I. Paragalda, Former Nigerian Ambassador to Turkey, discussed the global impact of COVID-19 on lifestyle, government policies, diplomatic activities, and civil service.

Panelists:

  • Dr. Benjamin Sakem, Medical Microbiologist and Member of the Swiss African Forum, highlighted the importance of lifestyle disease awareness campaigns during the pandemic in Africa.
  • Prof. Paraskevi Katsaounou, Professor of Pulmonary Medicine at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, addressed nicotine addiction during the COVID-19 era and its implications for Africa.
  • Dr. Sofia Pappa, Hon. Associate Professor at Imperial College, London, explored the psychological costs of the pandemic, presenting both the positive and negative aspects.
  • Dr. Udeh Chinedu, Professor and Directing Staff at the National Defence College, Abuja, Nigeria, examined the national and security implications of the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa.
  • Dr. A.M. Umar, Director at the Energy Commission of Nigeria, shared experiences and coping mechanisms for lifestyle diseases during the pandemic.
  • Abubakar Adamu-Ismael, a medical doctor, discussed primary and secondary healthcare responses to lifestyle diseases in Nigeria during the pandemic.
  • Mr. Jerome Sindano shed light on the impact of COVID-19 and lifestyle diseases on the African Diaspora community in America.

The seminar included multiple interactive sessions, allowing participants to engage in discussions, ask questions, and share insights. The diverse range of topics and expert speakers provided a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted challenges posed by lifestyle diseases in the COVID-19 era, with a particular focus on Africa.

In conclusion, the event successfully highlighted critical issues, fostered meaningful dialogue, and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to address lifestyle diseases in the context of the ongoing pandemic.

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