From The Desk of The Editor-in-Chief | Dear Colleagues, We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation to our authors, reviewers, and all stakeholders who continue to support and contribute to the growth of the West African Journal of Medicine (WAJM). Your collective efforts remain the backbone of our progress and the driving force behind our commitment to advancing medical knowledge and practice within the region and beyond. To our esteemed reviewers, we extend our deepest gratitude for the invaluable role you have played in the continued success of the journal over the years. Your dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence have been instrumental in maintaining the quality, credibility, and integrity of our publications. Through your thoughtful evaluations and constructive feedback, you have not only helped ensure the steady and timely publication of the journal but have also significantly strengthened its impact within the medical and scientific community. Your contributions extend far beyond the review process, as they help shape the direction of research, uphold ethical standards, and inspire confidence in the work we publish. UPDATE ON PUBLICATION SCHEDULE This is a reminder that the West African Journal of Medicine (WAJM) discontinued monthly publication at the end of 2025 and has transitioned to a quarterly publication schedule, with the aim of achieving a stable and sustainable quarterly cycle by 2027. This strategic adjustment was undertaken in response to challenges affecting reviewer availability, manuscript turnaround times, and the overall demands of the publication process. The transition is intended to strengthen editorial efficiency, enhance the quality of published articles, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the journal. We are pleased to provide the following updates on our publication schedule: - January–April 2026: Published.
- May–August 2026: Recently published.
- September–December 2026: Currently undergoing editorial review and preparation for publication.
We appreciate the continued patience, understanding, and support of our authors, reviewers, and stakeholders as we implement this transition. We remain committed to maintaining the journal’s editorial standards and improving the efficiency and quality of our publication processes. ANNOUNCEMENT OF EDITORIAL LEADERSHIP TRANSITION It is also my pleasure to announce that I have concluded my tenure as Editor-in-Chief of the West African Journal of Medicine. To ensure continuity in the journal’s leadership and operations, Dr. Temitope Olajubu has been appointed Interim Editor-in-Chief pending the appointment of a substantive Editor-in-Chief. Dr. Olajubu has worked closely with me at various stages of the journal’s editorial and publication processes and is familiar with its operations and ongoing priorities. This interim appointment was made in good faith to facilitate a smooth transition, preserve institutional knowledge, and ensure continuity without disruption to the journal’s activities. A preliminary handover took place in late September 2026 during the journal’s staff and editorial retreat, which provided an opportunity to evaluate the journal’s activities, review existing challenges, and discuss strategic priorities for the future. Although I have concluded my tenure as Editor-in-Chief, I remain available in the background to provide guidance and support where necessary to facilitate a successful transition and the continued development of the journal. Further information regarding the transition and other relevant developments will be communicated in due course. I wish Dr. Olajubu every success in this interim leadership role and thank all our authors, reviewers, editorial colleagues, and stakeholders for their invaluable contributions and support throughout my tenure. Thank you for your continued commitment to the West African Journal of Medicine. | | CALL FOR REVIEWERS We kindly appeal to you to give priority to any pending manuscript reviews and submit your recommendations at the earliest opportunity. Your timely contribution greatly strengthens the quality and impact of the journal. To further enhance the quality of our peer-review process, we are actively seeking, enthusiastic, and dedicated reviewers across all specialties. We welcome individuals who are willing to contribute their expertise and commit to reviewing manuscripts within the designated time frame. If you are interested in joining our pool of reviewers—or if you know someone who might be—please reach out to the Editor-in-Chief. MOVING FORWARD Thank you once again for your invaluable support and dedication to the West African Journal of Medicine. I look forward to our continued collaboration and kindly urge you to extend the same cooperation, encouragement, and support to the Interim Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Temitope Olajubu, as he assumes this leadership responsibility. Your collective contributions will be vital to ensuring the journal’s growth and development. | WAJM PUBLISHED ARTICLES The previous editions are available at the West African Journal of Medicine (WAJM) office, located at 6 Taylor Drive, Edmund Crescent, Medical Compound, Yaba, Lagos State. However, the e-copy has been sent to the corresponding authors. For authors, individuals, and institutions interested in obtaining copies of previous editions, please visit our website for details on subscription rates, or contact the Editor-in-Chief directly via wajmeditorinchief@gmail.com | | | WAJM VOLUME 43, NUMBER 2 MAY - AUGUST 2026 The contents of this issue are listed below. The free abstract-text content of this edition can be accessed on the journal website and on PubMed Central amongst others. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ORIGINAL ARTICLE Birth of the Nigerian Sleep Society: A Milestone for Sleep Medicine in Nigeria and Africa M. A. Komolafe, A. K Ojo, A. A. Sanusi, O. K. Ogundipe, K. A. Kolawole, F. I. Abdulai, O. E. Olorunmoteni, D. F. Folorunsho, P. O. Obiajunwa, Y. B. Amusa, K. S. Mosaku, G. E. Erhabor West Afr J Med. May-August, 2026; 43(2): 120-127 PMID: 42898251 | | | ORIGINAL ARTICLE Paediatric Surgical Care in a Resource-Constrained setting: Case-Mix, Workforce Adaptation, and Early Outcomes Over the First Five Years F. O. Kumolalo, S. O. Ogundiniyi, B. F. Akinkunmi, A. A. Kuranga, B. J. Alegbeleye, C. Akindiose, S. C. Ajekwu, O. Olasehinde West Afr J Med. May-August, 2026; 43(2): 136-141 PMID: 42898403 | | | | | | | | | | | PROCESSING AND PUBLICATION FEESGiven the prevailing economic conditions, the increasing production costs, and the fluctuating exchange rates, we kindly request authors to submit payments in US Dollars (USD) for all processing and publication fees. Kindly be informed that manuscripts accepted for publication will be rescheduled for the subsequent edition if publication fees are not settled within the designated payment period. If author encounters challenges with making payments in USD, they should please contact the Editor-in-Chief via email:- wajmeditorinchief@gmail.com or WhatsApp (08068925934). The current fees are as stated below: The current fees are as stated below:Processing Fee: $60.00 Publication Fee: $150.00 Payment in Dollars (Domiciliary Account) Account Name: West African Journal Medicine Account Number: 0483489788 Bank: GT Bank Swift Code: GTBINGLA Sort Code: 058194010 | SEPTEMBER - DECEMBER 2026 EDITIONThe September - December 2026 edition is presently undergoing editorial review. Below is a preliminary list of manuscripts that have been reviewed and are ready for publication. The complete list will be updated shortly, and the advance publication is scheduled for release within the next two weeks. Corresponding authors of manuscripts are kindly encouraged to settle any outstanding statutory charges at their earliest convenience. Please, note that the publishing fees should be paid ONLY into the WAJM Account.Evidence of payment should be forwarded to the Editor-In-Chief’s email - wajmeditorinchief@gmail.com. | | EDITORIAL ***************************************** | | | EPIDEMIOLOGY OF PREDIABETES AND DIABETES MELLITUS IN RESIDENTS OF OIL-AND GAS-PRODUCING COMMUNITIES IN THE NIGER DELTA REGION OF NIGERIA Mankwe A. C, Ugwu T. C, Aprioku J. S, Obianime A. W | | FAMILY SUPPORT AND ADHERENCE TO ANTIHYPERTENSIVE MEDICATIONS AMONG OLDER PATIENTS OF A PRIMARY CARE CLINIC IN NORTHERN NIGERIA Maryam Suleiman Kumo, Bukar Alhaji Grema, Abdulgafar Lekan Olawumi, Abdullahi Ibrahim Haruna, Zainab Abdulazeez Umar, Tiri Titilope Ogunleye | | | COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE EFFICACY OF SYNDROMIC MANAGEMENT VS AETIOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT OF VAGINAL DISCHARGE AMONG WOMEN ATTENDING GENERAL OUTPATIENT CLINIC IN KADUNA POLYTECHNIC MEDICAL CENTRE Mamoon N, Ibrahim BY, Ayuba C, Tanko ZL. Enabulele O | CORRELATION BETWEEN GINGIVAL COLOUR AND TOOTH SHADE AMONG DENTAL INTERNS AND UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS AT A NIGERIAN TEACHING HOSPITAL T.J. OGUNRINDE, A.O. ARIGBEDE | DETERMINATION OF NORMAL LOCATION OF THE UMBILICUS IN POST NEONATAL NIGERIAN INFANTS AKINLABI E. AJAO, FELIX O. KUMOLALO, MICHAEL ALAO, BOLA F. AKINKUNMI, SUNDAY O. | EVALUATING THE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND UTILIZATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AMONG DENTISTS IN NIGERIA T. O. Omosebi, O. E. Ayebameru, J. A. Folorunsho, T. E. Adeyemi, N. U. Ikimi, N. K. Onyejaka, N. E. Onyia and A. S. Ibrahim | REGIONAL VARIATIONS IN SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST IN NIGERIA Kolawole I.K, Ajala A.O, Aje A, Kana S.A, Abdur-Rahman L.O, Alagbe-Briggs O.T, Ayoola Y.A, Mbadiwe N.C, Galadanci H.S, J.K, Salahu. D, Sanusi A.A, Ogunmodede J.A, Onyeka T.C,Yusuf T.S, Soyannwo O.A | PREVALENCE AND POTENTIAL RISK FACTORS FOR CONGENITAL MALARIA IN BABIES DELIVERED AT FEDERAL MEDICAL CENTRE OWERRI Eziechila Bessie C, Ezechukwu Clement C, Egbuonu Ifeoma, Papka Nubwa Y, Chinawa Josephat M | CORRELATION BETWEEN B-MODE ULTRASOUND AND TWO-DIMENSIONAL SHEAR WAVE ELASTOGRAPHY OF THE LIVER IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AT THE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HOSPITAL, IBADAN. Olwatomi Oni, Ademola Joseph Adekanmi, Adegboyega Akere | EVALUATION OF THE PREVALENCE OF EPILEPSY AND CONGENITAL CARDIAC DEFECTS AMONG PATIENTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME ATTENDING THE PAEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY CLINIC OF THE UNIVERSITY OF BENIN TEACHING HOSPITAL Peter O. Okunola, Emmanuel U. Eyo-Ita, Wilson E. Sadoh | CONGENITAL HEART DISEASES IN INFANTS WITH OMPHALOCELE: A TEN-YEAR REVIEW IN A TERTIARY CENTRE IN ILE-IFE Bamigboye-Taiwo OT, Aderinto NO, Unogwa GC, Otetubi OA , Adeyemi BS, Talabi AO, Okeniyi JAO | MANAGEMENT OF HIRSCHSPRUNG’S DISEASE CO-EXISTING WITH ANORECTAL MALFORMATION IN THE NEW-BORN I. O. Ogundele, L.O. Amosu, O.A. Omokore, A.O. Ayoade, C.C. Adumah, C. C. Nwokoro, S.E Sonusi, M.A. Olusola-Bello | | WAJM REVIEWER APPRECIATION NOTICE Peer reviewers are the cornerstone of the scholarly publishing process. Through their careful evaluation, constructive feedback, and dedication to scientific rigor, reviewers help ensure that published research remains credible, reliable, and impactful. The West African Journal of Medicine (WAJM) expresses its sincere appreciation to all reviewers who have generously devoted their time and expertise to evaluate manuscripts submitted to the journal. Your commitment to maintaining high academic and ethical standards has been instrumental in strengthening the quality and integrity of the research we publish. In recognition of your invaluable contributions, the journal has included your names on the official list of reviewers which will be published and periodically updated on the WAJM website. This acknowledgement reflects our gratitude for your service to the journal and to the broader medical and scientific community. If you have completed a review for WAJM and your name does not yet appear on the published list, please kindly contact the editorial office so that we can update the record accordingly. The reviewers’ list will be updated periodically to ensure that all contributors receive appropriate recognition. | REVIEWER CERTIFICATES WAJM is pleased to provide Certificates of Review for completed manuscript reviews upon request. If you would like to receive a certificate, please contact the editorial office via email or WhatsApp. Once your review has been verified in our records, the certificate will be issued and sent to you. | ADVERTISE IN WAJM Advertise your brand, products, and events (conferences, exhibitions, and workshops) in our esteemed journal and reach out to healthcare professionals and institutions worldwide. For more information, kindly reach out to the Editor-in-Chief (email: wajmeditorinchief@gmail.com). | WEBSITE Our website is fully functional. For assistance or support in accessing particular information on the website, please don't hesitate to contact us. Our team is ready to help. For more information, kindly reach out to the Editor-in-Chief (email: wajmeditorinchief@gmail.com). | INQUIRIES/COMPLAINTS For inquiries and complaints, please call or send WhatsApp message to +2348068925934. | | I look forward to receiving your suggestions and feedback. Thank you. Prof. G. E. Erhabor Editor-in-Chief West African Journal of Medicine | Reviewers List |
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