Australia-based clinical cardiologist and electrophysiologist, Dr. Chuks Ajaero, has emerged chairman of the prestigious African-Australian Heart Health Initiative (AAHHI).
The Enugu State-born physician was unanimously elected by members of the organisation that comprised health practitioners from Africa based in Australia.
AAHHI, which consists of African Australia Cardiovascular Health Forum (AACHF) and African Continental Heart Health Forum (ACHHF), promotes treatment of cardiovascular diseases in blacks (especially of sub-Saharan Africa), health education among Africans in Australia, as well as advocacy with the Australian government.
9jayarn noted prevalence, severity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases are significantly higher in blacks, including African Americans, than non-Hispanic whites; hence the organisation has encouraged participation of African Australians in cardiovascular research that could help in formulating public health policies.
The organisation said Ajaero is expected to bring his wealth of knowledge to bear on expansion of its activities, which are expected to be beneficial to Africans living in Australia and other Africans.
The group said: “That is because we need to reduce the death of Africans due to heart-related diseases. We know and trust in his capacity to lead a new frontier that could effectively fight this scourge among our people, which over time is created by poverty. We are not just looking at prevention, we are looking at treatment for those already living with the disease, as well as improving knowledge that could lead to its reduction.”
Ajaero, who obtained his medical degree in Nigeria in 1997, is said to be passionate about preventive cardiology, having special interests in the management of all forms of cardiac arrhythmias, and implantable cardiac devices, including resynchronisation therapy for heart failure.
He had proceeded with postgraduate training and received extensive training in preventive cardiology, management of heart failure, as well as management of valvular heart disease.
He was in 2005 awarded the Nigerian Fellowship of the Medical College of Physicians in Cardiology.
