Nigeria – Importance of Foot Care Spelt Out

Increased mortality in patients living with diabetes who have had to undergo limb amputations is well documented, yet Podiatry is often seen as a ‘Cinderella’ part of a health service with limited numbers of practitioners in some countries.

Podiatry is a branch of medicine devoted to foot and ankle surgery where effective management of limb ulcers by a podiatric doctor before it degenerates to the point of amputation can increase life expectancy of those living with diabetes.

Dr. Yahaya Nauzo Nauzo, a Consultant in Podiatric medicine based in Niger State, Nigeria, is concerned at the lack of specialists in the field that he believes has led to avoidable deaths, as the country doesn’t have enough podiatric doctors to manage the increasing number of those living with diabetes that develop leg ulcers.

 He blamed the situation on the inability of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to formally recognise podiatry as a branch of medicine. He is reported in ‘The Punch’ saying: “Life expectancy of a person with diabetes becomes reduced once there is an amputation. It’s an issue of life and death, and not just about losing the limb”.

Advocacy Action: As people with diabetes are at higher risk for many related health problems, including foot or leg amputation, what is the position of Podiatry within your health care system? Can it be improved? Can you make the case for more public health information about the importance of foot care, especially among people with diabetes?