Nigerian pulmonary hypertension (PH) advocate Ayotunde Omitogun has been named the recipient of the prestigious Rino Aldrighetti Leadership Award by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to patient advocacy and support within the PH community.
The award, which honours individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership in advancing the association’s vision of a world free from pulmonary hypertension, was presented during the PHA 2026 International PH Conference and Scientific Sessions held in Dallas.
Omitogun, a long-time advocate for people living with pulmonary hypertension, has become a leading voice for patients in Nigeria and across Africa. Following her diagnosis with the rare and life-threatening condition in 2013, she turned her personal experience into a mission to support others facing similar challenges.
Her advocacy efforts led to the establishment of the Cardiac Community Advocacy and Support Initiative (CCASI), widely regarded as Nigeria’s first patient-led organisation dedicated to pulmonary hypertension awareness, education, and patient support.
Through the initiative, Omitogun has worked to create support networks for patients and families, improve public awareness of the disease, and promote access to treatment and healthcare resources.
One of the organisation’s notable interventions is its drug support programme, designed to assist low-income patients struggling to obtain life-saving pulmonary hypertension medications. The initiative has also spearheaded awareness campaigns aimed at increasing public understanding of the condition and encouraging early diagnosis.
Among its flagship activities is the annual Walk4PH campaign, which seeks to raise awareness of pulmonary hypertension, a disease often described as an “invisible illness” because of its non-specific symptoms and frequent misdiagnosis.
Beyond Nigeria, Omitogun has collaborated with international stakeholders and advocacy groups to promote improved access to diagnosis, treatment, clinical research, and specialised care for pulmonary hypertension patients across Africa.
The Pulmonary Hypertension Association, headquartered in Washington, D.C., is one of the world’s leading organisations dedicated to supporting individuals living with pulmonary hypertension. The association works with patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and researchers to improve patient outcomes, expand education, advocate for better healthcare policies, and support research into the condition.
Pulmonary hypertension is a chronic and progressive disease that affects the blood vessels in the lungs and places significant strain on the heart. Although there is currently no cure, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help improve quality of life and survival outcomes.
The recognition of Omitogun’s work highlights the growing role of patient-led advocacy in improving healthcare awareness and support systems for people living with rare diseases in Nigeria and beyond.
