Prof. Ngozi Njeze, a Radiologist at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, highlighted the importance of morning sunlight in preventing osteoporosis during the 208th Inaugural Lecture at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
“Osteoporosis is a disease that can cause pain, especially when bones fracture easily. It’s an age-related condition that leads to loss of muscle mass and body pain, and it’s more common than previously thought, especially among the black race,” Njeze explained.
She emphasized the benefits of morning sunlight exposure, stating, “Our advocacy programs on osteoporosis encourage people to maximize morning sunlight to ensure adequate vitamin D, which is crucial for bone health.”
Njeze noted that osteoporosis often results from hormonal changes and deficiencies in nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.
“Deficiency of these nutrients increases the risk of falls and fractures. For women over 50, the prevalence of osteoporosis is one in three, and for men over 60, it’s one in five.”
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To combat this, Njeze and her team established Nigeria’s first Fracture Registry at UNTH, putting Enugu on the global osteoporosis map.
“We hope to expand our services to other centers in the country,” she said.
In recognition of her work, Njeze received the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) Committee of National Societies Medal in 2021 and currently serves on the IOF board from 2024 to 2028.
“I’ve also served as the Vice Chair of the Regional Advisory Council for Africa and am a member of the WHO Bone Health Expert Working Group,” she added.
Njeze concluded by urging everyone to take simple preventive measures like morning sunlight exposure to maintain bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.