Dr. Victor 'Gbenga Afolabi, Director of Wellness Health Management Services, emphasized the critical importance of self-care as a foundational element for achieving optimal health and wellness during his compelling keynote address at the second edition of the D'Bio Wellness & Selfcare Summit.
Held under the theme "Self-Care as a Driver of Optimal Health and Wellness" on September 24, 2025, the summit gathered health advocates and professionals at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry Conference Centre, Ikeja.
Dr. Afolabi articulated that self-care is no longer a luxury but a necessity, particularly in the face of Nigeria's growing healthcare challenges. "Self-care is essential to balance rising demand with finite resources in Nigeria's healthcare landscape," he stated. The country is currently grappling with a dual burden of both infectious diseases and a surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension and diabetes, placing immense strain on an overstretched health system that sees a staggering 1:10,000 doctor-to-patient ratio.
He painted a stark picture of the economic realities impacting healthcare access in Nigeria, noting that healthcare costs are rising at an alarming rate of 10% annually, making quality care increasingly unaffordable for many. Dr. Afolabi emphasized that modern consumers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, seek convenience, digital health tools, and proactive prevention, driving a shift towards more accessible and personalized care models.
Defining self-care, Dr. Afolabi shared the framework of "The Six Pillars" of self-care, which include health literacy, daily routines of nutrition and exercise, at-home monitoring, preventive and over-the-counter therapies, mental health considerations, and the use of digital tools.
"Self-care leads to earlier disease detection, fewer complications, and improved adherence to treatment, enhancing overall individual health," he remarked, highlighting that it ultimately brings economic benefits by reducing healthcare costs and increasing workforce productivity.
Notably, he advocated for the integration of self-care into existing health systems, suggesting that community-driven approaches, coupled with mobile-enabled tools, could revolutionize how healthcare is delivered in Nigeria. "Investing in self-care enhances both individual welfare and national economic resilience," Dr. Afolabi explained, advocating for a supportive policy environment that facilitates equitable access to self-care resources.
He concluded his address with a powerful call to action, urging stakeholders to elevate wellness programs, fund self-care initiatives, and embed self-care into healthcare policies. "Healthcare is not just what happens in hospitals; it is what happens in our homes, workplaces, and communities every day. When health improves, so too does our economy, productivity, and shared prosperity," he stated, encapsulating the immense value of prioritizing self-care.
