About ARCT

Pioneering the Establishment of Respiratory Therapy as a Recognized Healthcare Profession in Nigeria

The Association of Respiratory Care Therapists (ARCT) of Nigeria was formed on February 11, 2025, and officially registered in the Federal Republic of Nigeria on March 19, 2025. Founded by Dr. Sir Joseph Madu (D.Tech, MBA, RRT, RCP) and Dr. Olugbenga Agbelemose (EdD, MBA, RCP, RRT-NPS, CPFT), ARCT addresses the critical gap in respiratory care services across Nigeria.

  • Establishing formal RT training programs within Nigerian medical schools and health institutions
  • Providing respiratory care services in both urban and rural health facilities
  • Reducing respiratory disease mortality rates through early diagnosis and effective treatment
  • Raising awareness about respiratory health, preventive measures, and environmental impacts on lung health
  • Advocating for policy development to integrate RT services into Nigeria's healthcare system sustainably

Nigeria's Respiratory Disease Burden

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, has one of the highest rates of respiratory illness on the continent. Contributing factors include:

  • High levels of air pollution in urban areas
  • High prevalence of smoking and indoor cooking with biomass fuels
  • Limited access to respiratory healthcare specialists
  • Until recently, respiratory therapy as a specialized healthcare field was virtually non-existent

Our approach

Building Africa's respiratory care network through collaboration

ARC Therapists Nigeria brings together respiratory care professionals to share knowledge, coordinate resources, and support each other's work. As a growing network, we connect doctors and healthcare providers across Nigeria and beyond, fostering collaboration to improve respiratory health outcomes throughout Africa.

Our mission

To reduce the burden of respiratory diseases in Africa by connecting respiratory care professionals, facilitating knowledge exchange, and coordinating resources to improve respiratory health outcomes across the continent.

Our vision

To build a connected network of respiratory care professionals across Africa, ensuring quality respiratory health information and resources are accessible to all communities, regardless of economic barriers.

Our values

Collaboration, knowledge sharing, professional development, evidence-based information, and commitment to building a strong respiratory care community throughout Africa.

30+

Experience

our commitment

Committed to building Africa's respiratory care community

ARC Therapists Nigeria is committed to creating a vibrant network where respiratory care professionals can connect, learn, and collaborate. We facilitate access to professional development resources, coordinate knowledge sharing opportunities, and work to strengthen respiratory care capabilities across Africa through collective action and partnership.

Knowledge Sharing

We facilitate access to professional development resources, connect members to training opportunities, and promote continuous learning within the respiratory care community.

Professional Network

Building connections with respiratory care professionals across Africa and partnering with international organizations to bring world-class resources to our community.

  • Connecting healthcare providers to training and resources
  • Sharing evidence-based respiratory care information
  • Coordinating collaborative initiatives across the network

What We Do

Coordinating respiratory care resources across Africa

Professional Networking

Connecting respiratory care professionals to share expertise and collaborate on patient care.

Resource Coordination

Facilitating access to respiratory care equipment, training, and professional resources.

Information Hub

Providing evidence-based respiratory care information and clinical practice guidelines.

Collaboration Platform

Creating opportunities for healthcare providers to collaborate and support each other's work.

ARC Therapists: Building Africa's Respiratory Care Network

20+

Network Members

5+

Partner Organizations

10+

Collaborative Initiatives

2024

Founded & Growing