Port Harcourt, October 14, 2024 – Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) marked World Thrombosis Day in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Atlantic City and Symbiotica. The event, themed “From Head to Toe, Take Control, Prevent Thrombosis, Protect Your Health,” aimed to educate the public about the risks and prevention of thrombosis, a condition responsible for one in four deaths worldwide.
Following a welcome speech by Prof. Chizindu A. Alikor, the Chief Medical Director Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) , Dr. Emmanuel Wobo, Head of Hematology, delivered a keynote address highlighting the alarming statistics surrounding thrombosis. “Hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism (VTE) accounts for 55-60% of all thrombosis cases, with over 10% of deaths due to pulmonary embolism often discovered only during autopsy,” he stated.
The event emphasized the importance of preventive measures, including risk assessment using tools like the Caprini score, prophylaxis, and early ambulation. The Postnatal Ward at RSUTH was commended for its exemplary work in preventing VTE, achieving a 100% risk assessment rate and zero VTE-related incidents over the past three years.
Dr. Wobo stressed the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to ensure patient safety and effective VTE prevention. “We need doctors, nurses, and laboratory scientists working together to develop effective strategies to prevent and manage thrombosis,” he emphasized.
RSUTH acknowledged its partners, including Sanofi/Symbiotica, the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Atlantic City, and the Female Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, for their support in organizing the event.
The celebration highlighted the importance of awareness and prevention in reducing the impact of thrombosis on public health. By working together, healthcare professionals and organizations can develop effective strategies to prevent and manage thrombosis, ultimately saving lives.
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