Former Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Abia State chapter, Dr. Chimezie Okwuonu, has made it to the list of emerging leaders for global assignments on kidney treatment, News About Nigeria reports.
He disclosed this to newsmen, stating that it was indeed a rare privilege and opportunity.
The Abia-born kidney expert is one of the only two Africans selected for the Emerging Leaders Programme by the International Society of Nephrology.
He noted that his making it to the list was a recognition of possibilities that exist in this part of the globe, adding that he will not toy with the opportunity or misuse it, but will leverage it to further advance solutions for kidney-related ailments.
He further stated that his recognition improves capacity for local impact in addressing the prevailing health needs of the region and beyond.
“Only two people were selected from Africa and 13 people from all over the world. I’m not taking the opportunity for granted, but will maximise it to give hope to kidney disease patients,” he said.
Dr. Okwuonu noted that it was a huge addition to the health system of Abia State, maintaining that the training that he will get from the “emerging leaders” programme will go a long way in impacting the health care in Abia State positively.
He noted that these impacts include strengthening health systems, improving kidney care delivery and research, and international collaboration.
He added that his team at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) aims to end overseas medical tourism by providing quality and affordable alternatives to Nigerian patients.
Dr. Okwuonu has played a key role in the series of kidney transplants at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, as a pioneer member of the transplant team.
