NaijAid UK, a UK-based Nigerian charity, hosted its annual First Aid Training at the Radisson Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria on Tuesday, equipping nurses and caregivers with essential skills and knowledge.
The Executive Director and CEO of the non-profit organization, Dr. (Mrs.) Lanre Nehan-Babalola emphasized in her keynote address that the training session serves not only as a learning opportunity but also as a crucial component of the organization’s overarching mission to improve healthcare and preserve lives.
According to Mrs. Babalola, Immediate Life Support is a fundamental skill that extends beyond theoretical foundations. Its practical application can be lifesaving in critical situations. Time is of the essence when a patient experiences cardiac arrest or faces a life-threatening emergency. Therefore, your efforts today to enhance knowledge, skills, and confidence are crucial. This undertaking involves assuming a significant responsibility, not merely earning a credential.
During an interview with Lagos Panorama at the training venue, Dr. Kayode Babalola, Chairman of Naijaid-UK, outlined the organization’s core programs.
These include life-saving healthcare services, public awareness initiatives, professional development for healthcare professionals, medical outreach programs, and medical equipment donations across Africa.
Dr. Babalola explained that Naijaid, a charity he co-founded with his wife, addresses Nigeria’s medical needs through training, free medical care, and education. The First Aid Training focuses on early recognition of patient deterioration and critical first aid procedures, including timely cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.
He highlighted the importance of a conducive environment in stemming brain drain, advocating for government policies that promote a better working environment in the health sector.
Mrs. Dorcas Shonibare, Director of Nursing Services at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, in an interview with journalists at the event, commended NaijAid for their support, highlighting the organization’s partnership with the Directorate of Nursing.
She noted plans for a meeting with Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, to further expand the collaboration.
Mrs. Shonibare confirmed NaijAid’s donation of 10 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to the State last year and her Directorate’s efforts to ensure effective utilization. The equipment enables hands-on practice for nurses and student nurse training.
She requested NaijAid to extend training duration to accommodate more participants, citing over 7,000 nurses in Lagos State, and praised the organization’s training initiatives.
Mrs. Gbemileke Sanwo, trustee of the organization and Healthcare Nigeria, described the training as commendable, emphasizing its societal benefits, particularly with international facilitators.
She highlighted the training’s objective of expanding participants’ knowledge. Sanwo expressed immediate support for the initiative upon introduction by NaijAid’s Chairman and CEO, urging government backing for this valuable healthcare endeavor for Nigerians.
The highlight of the event was the hands-on training session, where participants learned the essential ABCDE methodology for first aid. Student training sessions are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.
