By Jimitota Onoyume

The Acting Head, Department of Public Health, University of Delta, Agbor, Delta state, UniDel, Dr. (Mrs.) Ewere Iwegbu, has said that Public Health Experts, PHEs, play a vital role in disease prevention and control through advocacy, education, enlightenment, research and policy-making.

Dr Iwegbu spoke during a workshop for public health students in the university , explaining that public health experts are trained to focus on promoting healthy living, wellness, minimizing sicknesses and diseases

She further described the workshop as a significant program and milestone in the lives of the Public Health students, stressing that the programme was part of an academic journey towards closing up a critical knowledge gap in their (students ) understanding of Public Health as a course in Basic Medical Sciences.

She further told the gathering that the World Health Organization emphasizes on disease prevention over treatment , noting that students must understand their roles in national and community-based health facilities. “And should recognize their expertise in preventing diseases.”, she said.

She said : “Credit goes to my husband a Lecturer in Sociology and Criminology who lectures Medical Sociology and Anthropology. He identified this gap while interacting with the 200-level students. He observed that they lacked clarity on what Public Health entails and its career prospects. This program aims to address this knowledge deficit.

“I extend heartfelt gratitude to Hillary Obioma Ibegbulem, Ph.D, an illustrious son of Ute Okpu Kingdom, who generously sponsored over 60% of the workshop. We honor him today with the “Mr. UniDel Public Health Advocate, 2024” award for his remarkable contribution.

“I thank the Vice Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) S.C. Chiemeke ably represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof. Mrs. Patricia Mbah, Dean Professor Igweh, Dean of Medicine, Prof. Naiho, my parents, Dr. and Dr. (Mrs.) S.N.A. Idiaghe, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN).
and my colleagues for their unwavering support.

“With management’s permission, this program will become an annual event, and the “Mr./Ms. Unidel Public Health Advocate” award will serve as a reminder of Public Health’s significance in society”.