Health experts have called for greater emphasis on self-care as a pathway to improving health outcomes across Nigeria’s overstretched healthcare system.
They made this call at the second edition of the D’Bio Wellness & Selfcare Summit held in Lagos with the theme: “Self-Care as a Driver of Optimal Health and Wellness.”

The summit convened health advocates, pharmaceutical stakeholders, industry professionals, community leaders, and representatives from the entertainment and education sectors, all united by the goal of cultivating a culture of self-care among Nigerians.

Delivering the keynote address, CEO of Hazon Holdings and Co-Founder of Wellness HMO, Dr. Victor ’Gbenga Afolabi, painted a stark picture of the nation’s health challenges. He pointed to a doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:10,000 and escalating healthcare costs as indicators of an overburdened system.

“Self-care is no longer optional; it is essential to balance rising demand with finite resources,” Afolabi said, noting the dual burden of infectious diseases and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes. He emphasised that self-care should serve as the first line of defense, with hospitals as a last resort. He also highlighted the six pillars of self-care as structured, evidence-based approaches to health management while urging for supportive policies, affordable healthcare tools, and greater health education.

In her welcome address, the convener, Dr. Monica Hemben Eimunjeze, stressed that health is not the exclusive preserve of professionals.
“Whichever sector or area you are, self-care and health aren’t the exclusive preserve of those of us trained in healthcare,” she said, underscoring the importance of health literacy and early engagement.

She also drew attention to the seven pillars of self-care defined by the International Self-Care Foundation (ISF), which range from nutrition and physical activity to mental health and the rational use of health products. According to her, collective action is needed to strengthen these practices across society.

Representing the chairman of the event, Chairman of Fidson Healthcare, Dr. Fidelis Akhagboso Ayebae, the company’s Assistant General Manager (Marketing), Pharm. Friday Enaholo, tied self-care to the principle of self-love.

“The word ‘self-care’ starts with self-love. If you love yourself, you will want to achieve wellness and sustain it,” he said, stressing that wellness encompasses both physical and mental health.

He urged participants to support D’Bio in driving public awareness and empowering individuals to serve as ambassadors of self-care within their communities.

The summit also featured goodwill messages from stakeholders and industry leaders reaffirming their commitment to advancing self-care initiatives. Exhibitions showcased the latest healthcare products and supplements, giving attendees firsthand experience of tools and resources to support their wellness journey.