Superstition, Bane Of Nigeria’s Health System – Varsity Don

Until Nigeria demonstrates the political will against superstition, ignorance and harmful cultural misconceptions around diseases and embrace modern medical diagnosis and treatment, avoidable deaths will continue to haunt the citizens.

This was the postulation of a veteran radiologist, Prof. Diana’basi Udoete Eduwem, during the presentation of the 135th in the series of inaugural lectures of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) entitled “Seeing the Invisible: Unravelling the Myths, Mysteries and Misconceptions About Health and Diseases.”

The first professor of Radiology from Akwa Ibom, Cross River States and South-South Nigeria, highlighted the critical role of medical imaging in diagnosing illnesses that many people still wrongly attribute to witchcraft, curses, evil spirits and other supernatural forces.

The renowned radiologist argued that advances in medical imaging technologies such as; X-rays, ultrasound, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), angiography and mammography have revolutionized healthcare by enabling doctors to identify the real causes of diseases and intervene early.

According to him, many deaths and disabilities across Nigeria are linked to delayed medical attention because patients often seek help from traditional healers, prayer houses and other unorthodox centres before visiting hospitals.

Drawing from decades of clinical experience, Professor Eduwem recounted several cases where medical imaging exposed the true causes of ailments that communities had attributed to spiritual attacks.

These included; spinal tumours mistaken for witchcraft, pregnancy-related complications ignored on religious grounds, severe infections blamed on traditional curses, and infertility cases linked to undiagnosed medical conditions.

He lamented that conditions such as stroke, tuberculosis, infertility, breast cancer and traumatic brain injuries are still widely misunderstood in many communities, resulting in avoidable suffering and death.

“Medical imaging has helped humanity to see the invisible and unravel myths, mysteries and misconceptions about diseases,” he said, stressing that early diagnosis remains one of the most effective tools for improving health outcomes.

Professor Eduwem further highlighted Nigeria’s progress in radiological practice, tracing the evolution of imaging technology from the installation of the country’s first X-ray machine in Lagos in 1913 to the deployment of sophisticated CT and MRI systems across various health institutions today.

The inaugural lecturer also showcased his extensive research contributions in neuroradiology, obstetrics and gynaecology, breast imaging, infertility studies, tuberculosis diagnosis and trauma management.

He noted that his work has contributed significantly to improving healthcare delivery and specialist training across Nigeria and the West African sub-region.

As a pioneer in the field, he disclosed that he has mentored more than 25 consultant radiologists, including several professors, many of whom are currently serving in Nigeria and abroad.

Professor Eduwem, who served for seven years as President of the Association of Radiologists of West Africa (ARAWA), used the occasion to advocate greater investment in diagnostic infrastructure, specialist training and public enlightenment campaigns.

He urged governments at all levels to strengthen public health facilities by making modern imaging equipment readily available in hospitals, while also intensifying awareness programmes to combat dangerous health myths.

The distinguished scholar concluded that modern medicine has provided humanity with the tools needed to uncover the hidden causes of diseases, stressing that many ailments once regarded as spiritual afflictions are now diagnosable and treatable.

He therefore called on Nigerians to seek professional medical help promptly whenever health challenges arise rather than relying on beliefs and practices that often delay treatment and worsen outcomes.

The lecture attracted top academics, medical professionals, government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders and students, who gathered to celebrate the remarkable career and contributions of one of Nigeria’s foremost radiologists.