A Professor of Paediatric Radiology at the University of Ibadan, Omolola Atalabi, has called for stronger radiation protection policies and safer paediatric imaging practices to improve healthcare delivery for children.
Atalabi made the call while delivering the 619th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Ibadan and the 16th in the series for the 2025/2026 academic session on behalf of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences.
Speaking on the topic, “Spinning in the Invisible Rays of Paediatric Imaging: A Prophecy Fulfilled from Darkness to Light of Destiny,” she said paediatric imaging has become an essential component of modern healthcare, enabling accurate diagnosis and effective management of childhood diseases.
The professor, however, warned that children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of ionising radiation and urged healthcare professionals to ensure that imaging procedures are justified and conducted using the lowest possible radiation dose capable of producing accurate diagnostic results.
READ ALSO: Anambra Albinism Group Reports Rising Skin Cancer Cases
She advocated stricter regulation of imaging centres, continuous professional training for radiologists, radiographers and medical physicists, as well as the development of locally appropriate imaging protocols that prioritise patient safety.
Atalabi also called on regulatory authorities to strengthen oversight of imaging facilities, particularly private centres, to ensure compliance with paediatric radiation safety standards.
She further recommended the inclusion of protection against excessive ionising radiation in the Child Rights Act, noting that children require special legal safeguards because of their vulnerability.
According to her, man-made radiation now contributes significantly to overall radiation exposure, with Computed Tomography (CT) and Nuclear Medicine accounting for a substantial proportion of medical radiation doses.
The professor highlighted the global Image Gently campaign, which promotes imaging protocols specifically tailored to children, stressing that adult imaging approaches should not be routinely applied to paediatric patients.
She said the safe use of imaging technologies requires collaboration among radiologists, radiographers, medical physicists and other healthcare professionals to protect patients while maintaining high standards of care.
Atalabi also encouraged clinicians to consult radiologists when determining the most appropriate imaging procedures for patients.
The don advocated greater use of safer imaging alternatives, including ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), where appropriate, noting that such technologies can provide valuable diagnostic information without exposing children to ionising radiation.
She further called for increased investment in specialised training and improved access to imaging equipment for medical students and healthcare professionals, describing both as critical to advancing radiology practice and improving patient outcomes.
Atalabi emphasised that mentorship, collaboration and service remain essential for developing future healthcare professionals and ensuring that advances in medical imaging continue to prioritise patient safety.
