The Association of Medical Social Workers of Nigeria held its annual socio-scientific conference and training at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, from October 21, 2024. The event began with a courtesy visit to the hospital’s management, followed by the official opening ceremony on October 22. The theme for this year’s conference was “Culture and Belief Practices Among Service Users in the Health Sector in Nigeria: Implications for Medical Social Work Practice.”
In her welcome address, Mrs. Ibitayo Adebowale, Director of the Department of Medical Social Work at OAUTHC, emphasized the importance of the conference in fostering the development of strategies to address the cultural and belief-related diversity of patients. She highlighted the significance of the event in raising professional standards and enhancing intervention methods within medical social work.
The keynote lecture, delivered by Professor Olakunle Ogunbameru, focused on the critical role of cultural diversity and sensitivity in medical social work. He urged practitioners to adopt cultural humility, enabling them to understand better the complexities of cultural influences in healthcare and avoid cultural missteps when working with patients.
Distinguished guests included representatives from traditional and medical institutions. His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), was represented by Sooko Dr. Kemade Elugbaju, while the Chief Medical Director of OAUTHC, Prof. John Okeniyi, was represented by the Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Josephine Eniola Eziyi.
The conference concluded with an award ceremony honoring Dr. Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health, and Prof. John Okeniyi, Chief Medical Director of OAUTHC. Prof. Eziyi accepted the awards on their behalf, expressing gratitude and reaffirming the hospital’s commitment to supporting the Medical Social Work Department.
