by Oge Okonkwo

In order to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the critical health challenges posed by Heartburn and other Reflux diseases, the Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Nigeria (SOGHIN) in partnership with Reckitt Benckiser, producers of Gaviscon, organised the 6th Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting at the Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, from August 1 – 2, 2013.

The theme: “The Burden of Gastro-Intestinal and Liver Diseases in Nigeria” was extensively addressed by highly qualified and accomplished medical professionals from Nigeria, Ghana and Turkey.

The conference was followed by a special forum organised by Reckitt Benckiser, at The WheatBaker, Ikoyi, Lagos, on August 3, 2013. The meeting which was held under the name ‘GOLDEN FACULTY’ was attended by members of the elite league and other distinguished consultants from all areas of Gastroenterology, Family Medicine and other specialties.

According to the General Manager of Reckitt Benckiser, Central African Region, Rahul Murgai, GOLDEN stands for ‘Gaviscon Opinion Leaders of Nigeria’. The aim of the meeting was to discuss “Optimizing the Management of Reflux Disease In The 21^st Century” and share views from diverse clinical practice to determine Alginate place in Therapy.

“We are very excited to kick start this meeting GOLDEN FACULTY in the heart of Lagos Nigeria. We wish to use this platform to partner with leading professionals and opinion leaders in the medical practice and to create an Elite Faculty which is prime in its purpose to make the medical community aware of the extent of Reflux diseases in Nigeria” He said.

The forum was facilitated by a Professor in Gastroenterology at Ege University School of Medicine, Turkey, Prof. Serhat Bor. Professor Bor emphasised that more awareness must be created within developing countries on how to prevent reflux diseases. He applauded Reckitt Benckiser for facilitating the forum since it will help create awareness on the extent of reflux diseases in Nigeria.

The Marketing Director, Reckitt Benckiser, Oguzhan Silivrilli who spoke at the event said “To achieve our purpose and to be meaningful partner to the healthcare community, Reckitt Benckiser continues to invest in its brands in the health and hygiene sectors, in addition to our home brands. This is why Gaviscon remains the leading brand for heartburn relief in Nigeria.”

He encouraged medical professionals to partner with the organisation to make a positive difference in the lives of patients especially those suffering from reflux disease. Reckitt Benckiser Nigeria’s journey into Healthcare began with the launch of Strepsils Sore Throat Remedy in 2008 and Durex sexual wellbeing product in 2011. The next step for Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare after the well-publicised launch of Gaviscon last year is to ensure continuity of its unique mode of action which strikes a perfect balance between speed, efficacy and safety.

Acid Reflux or Heartburn occurs when acid, which usually sits within the protected lining of the stomach, escapes back up into the oesophagus (food pipe) causing painful symptoms such as burning sensation and pain.

 

 

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