The Departments of Physiotherapy, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), have joined physiotherapists worldwide to commemorate the 2026 World Physiotherapy Day.
World Physiotherapy Day is observed annually on Sept. 8 to celebrate the physiotherapy profession and highlight its contribution to healthcare delivery. The global celebration was first declared in 1996.
The 2026 celebration focused on the theme: “The Role of Physiotherapy and Physical Activity in the Prevention, Management and Rehabilitation of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke.”
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death globally, claiming more than 20.5 million lives annually and accounting for over 30 per cent of global deaths, with heart attacks and strokes responsible for about 85 per cent of the deaths.
The organisers said more than three-quarters of CVD deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries, stressing the need for preventive measures, early detection and appropriate rehabilitation.
They said physiotherapists could contribute significantly to the prevention and management of CVDs by identifying people at risk, developing safe and personalised exercise programmes, encouraging physical activity and identifying warning signs.
According to them, physiotherapy can also help people living with cardiovascular diseases to become more physically active and reduce their risk of subsequent cardiac events, including heart attacks.
Declaring the celebration open, the Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, represented by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Ayodeji Oluwole, appreciated physiotherapists for their contributions to effective patient care.
“Physiotherapists have made immeasurable contributions to successful patient care, and we appreciate their commitment and dedication to improving the wellbeing of our patients,” Adeyemo said.
The Deputy Provost of CMUL, Prof. Daniel Odebiyi, who is also a Physiotherapist, congratulated the practitioners and commended their commitment to delivering quality services.
“We appreciate the hard work of our physiotherapists and the important role they play in healthcare delivery. We also commend the management of LUTH for the recent transformation of the Department of Physiotherapy,” Odebiyi said.
The President of the Association of Clinical and Academic Physiotherapists of Nigeria (ACAPN), Prof. Udoka Okafor, who represented the President of the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy, Dr Felix Odusanya, thanked the managements of LUTH and CMUL for their support for the profession.
“The support we receive from the managements of LUTH and CMUL is greatly appreciated. From October 2026, all Nigerian physiotherapists will unite under one professional body, the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy,” Okafor said.
The celebration featured an awareness dance and walk around the premises of LUTH and CMUL, followed by an awareness talk on the theme, with more than 300 guests, physiotherapists, students and patients in attendance.
The event also featured senior officials of LUTH and CMUL, including the Deputy CMACs, Prof. Teslim Bello and Prof. Rufus Ojewola; Director of Administration, Ms Omolola Fakeye, represented by the Director of Corporate Services, Mrs Patricia Enwensor; and Heads of Physiotherapy Departments, A.G. Awe and Prof. A.I. Aiyegbusi.
Mr Akinfeleye Adegoke chaired the World Physiotherapy Day Organising Committee.
