LAGOS/Nigeria: Physiotherapists at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), have used the 2026 World Physiotherapy Day to draw attention to the role of regular physical activity and rehabilitation in preventing and managing cardiovascular disease and stroke.
The awareness campaign, held in Lagos on Tuesday, September 8, featured a walk and awareness activities within the LUTH and CMUL premises, followed by discussions on this year’s theme: “The Role of Physiotherapy and Physical Activity in the Prevention, Management and Rehabilitation of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke.”
The organisers said the focus was intended to encourage greater public understanding of the contribution of physiotherapy to cardiovascular health, particularly through appropriate physical activity, early intervention and rehabilitation.
World Physiotherapy, the global body representing the profession, says cardiovascular disease remains the world’s leading cause of death, accounting for more than 20.5 million deaths annually. It says more than 75 per cent of cardiovascular disease deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
According to the organisation, physiotherapists can help people at risk of cardiovascular disease through assessment, personalised exercise programmes, promotion of physical activity and identification of warning signs.
It also identifies physiotherapy as an important component of recovery for people who have suffered strokes or are living with cardiovascular conditions, helping them improve mobility, physical function and independence.
Declaring the programme open on behalf of the Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Ayodeji Oluwole, commended physiotherapists for their contribution to patient care.
Oluwole said physiotherapists had continued to play an important role in improving patients’ wellbeing and supporting effective healthcare delivery.
The Deputy Provost of CMUL, Prof. Daniel Odebiyi, who is also a physiotherapist, congratulated practitioners on the occasion and acknowledged their contribution to healthcare.
Odebiyi also commended LUTH management for developments in its physiotherapy services.
Representing the President of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy, Dr Felix Odusanya, the President of the Association of Clinical and Academic Physiotherapists of Nigeria (ACAPN), Prof. Udoka Okafor, appreciated the managements of LUTH and CMUL for their support for the profession.
Okafor disclosed that Nigerian physiotherapists were expected to operate under a unified professional body, the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy, from October 2026.
The programme attracted more than 300 participants, including physiotherapists, students, patients and other guests.
Activities included an awareness walk and dance around the hospital and university premises, as well as an interactive session on the relationship between physical activity, physiotherapy and cardiovascular health.
Senior officials of LUTH and CMUL who attended the event included Deputy Chairmen of the Medical Advisory Committees, Prof. Teslim Bello and Prof. Rufus Ojewola; Director of Administration, Ms Omolola Fakeye, represented by the Director of Corporate Services, Mrs Patricia Enwensor; and Heads of the Physiotherapy Departments, A.G. Awe and Prof. A.I. Aiyegbusi.
Mr Akinfeleye Adegoke chaired the organising committee for the celebration.
World Physiotherapy has marked September 8 as World PT Day since 1996. The organisation says the annual observance provides an opportunity to highlight the contribution of physiotherapists to health, mobility, rehabilitation and quality of life.
