Olatunde Odusote, a consultant paediatrician and dermatologist, has warned that many Nigerians relocating abroad are at increased risk for allergic diseases. This concern comes as experts in allergy and immunology highlight a troubling lack of awareness about these conditions, which is contributing to their global rise.
Odusote made this statement during a press conference in Ikeja, Lagos State, where he announced a two-day conference focused on addressing allergic diseases. He noted that the prevalence of allergies, including asthma, eczema, and food allergies, is growing due to insufficient knowledge and limited access to care and training.
“We once thought allergic diseases were rare in Nigeria, but that is no longer the case,” Odusote said. “With changing lifestyles and environmental factors, we are now confronting these issues. The pressing question is whether we are prepared to handle them.”
He emphasized that rising incidence rates are linked to a lack of advocacy and awareness. “With the ongoing ‘japa’ trend, where Nigerians are moving abroad, the shift in environment poses risks for allergic diseases,” he cautioned.
While the exact causes remain unclear, research indicates that lifestyle changes, the hygiene hypothesis, environmental shifts, and exposure to biofuels used for cooking can all contribute to allergic conditions. Odusote also noted the potential influence of genetics.
He urged the government to review and implement policies to combat the increasing prevalence of allergic diseases, particularly at the community level. Engaging local health practitioners to spread awareness is crucial, he added.
“We have strong policies in place, but implementation is lacking. We must prioritize awareness. Utilizing respected community figures, such as retired teachers, to share vital information could greatly enhance local understanding,” Odusote suggested.
Tomi Ammond, another consultant paediatrician, echoed the need for the government to update the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for primary healthcare workers to include allergy management. “Current SOPs lack guidelines for handling allergies, indicating a significant gap in awareness despite the long-standing presence of these conditions,” he noted.
Ammond emphasized that the ongoing discussions aim to empower healthcare workers and advocate for the inclusion of allergy management in official guidelines.
Professor James Tracy, President-elect of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, expressed the organization’s commitment to collaborating with relevant bodies to enhance understanding and management of allergic diseases.
