WORLD CONFEDERATION OF PHYSICAL THERAPY(WCPT) HONOURS NIGERIAN PHYSIOTHERAPIST: NAMES AWARD AFTER HER

The WCPT which is the global body governing the training and practice of physiotherapy has named an award after a Nigerian physiotherapist Dr NNENNA CHIGBO.

The award titled" NNENNA CHIGBO EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARD" at the on going WCPT congress in Geneva is in recognition of Dr Chigbo's contribution in excellent hard work in advancement of global education in HIV/AIDS, Oncology, Hospice and Palliative care(HOPE) rehabilition. Dr Chigbo is currently leading the Nigerian delegation to WCPT congress in Geneva. She has moved motions that have affected the congress positively. Dr Chigbo is a graduate of medical rehabilitation majoring in physiotherapy, from the department of medical rehabilitation, University of Nigeria. Currently she is a chief physiotherapist at the university of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu. Dr Chigbo has pioneered and pursued the training and engagement of physiotherapist in prevention, advocacy, treatment and palliative care of people living with terminally ill diseases . She was the first to establish an "EXERCISE IMMUNOLOGY UNIT" in Nigerian health sector and in West African sub- region possibly. Dr Chigbo has doggedly pursued and out of dinct of work achieved the recognition of physiotherapist as one of the major stakeholders in HIV/AIDS, Oncology,and palliative care rehabilitation in Nigeria. Dr Chigbo has an extensive net work with the international physiotherapist- HIV/AIDS, Hospice, Oncology and Pallaitive care expert (IPT-HOPE). She is the IPT-HOPE education director. She has successfully established the Nigerian sub- specialty group and has pursued the training of physiotherapists in this area. Dr Chigbo has also secured fund from World Hemophilia Foundation for the training of quite a number of Nigerian physiotherapist on the rehabilitation of hemophiliacs. This training is both in Nigeria, India and other countries. Dr Chigbo is the vice president of Nigerian Society of physiotherapy. She holds a bachelor degree in medical rehabilition, Master degree in public health, An emory fellow from Emory University, United States of America. She has publications in peer reviewed journal on the topic of HIV/AIDS and Oncology.

In this erudite scholar and astute clinician, I see a "WCPT RISING STAR" and a competent woman of style. Maybe, Nigeria will produce the first WCPT President from Africa. Dr Chigbo is competent and qualified to lead the Nigerian Society of Physiotherapy to greater heights.

JOHN DAVIDSON OKWUDILI BMR,PT, MSc (Education director, NSP- HOPE)