Healthcare professionals and experts have emphasized the need for urgent improvements in stroke care services across Nigeria.
In response to the growing burden of stroke-related cases, the World Stroke Organisation, in collaboration with the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Onitsha, Stroke Action Nigeria, FMC Asaba, and Asaba Specialist Hospital, organized a four-day training program for healthcare workers from various hospitals.
The training, aimed at equipping healthcare professionals with essential skills to manage and reduce the burden of stroke in Nigeria, took place at FMC Onitsha on Thursday.
Themed “Reducing the Burden of Strokes in Nigeria,” the seminar focused on enhancing stroke awareness, early detection, and intervention strategies.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Chiamaka Okereke, a consultant neurologist from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu, emphasized the importance of education and rapid response in stroke management.
She explained that the training was designed to empower healthcare professionals with knowledge on stroke prevention, emergency response, and patient care.
According to her, swift recognition and immediate medical intervention can significantly reduce stroke-related deaths and disabilities.
“Stroke can either kill or leave a person permanently disabled. However, if recognized early and treated promptly, its impact can be drastically minimized,” she stated.
Dr. Okereke also noted that while similar training sessions had been conducted previously, this program brought together professionals from various locations and would be followed up with another session in April or May. She added that the training was also being conducted at FMC Asaba, with experts from around the world participating virtually.
Similarly, Dr. Rita Melifonwu, Chief Executive Officer of Stroke Action Nigeria and a board member of the World Stroke Organization, emphasized the urgent need for stroke services in Nigeria. She lamented the lack of dedicated stroke care in the geopolitical region, which prompted the organization of the training.
Dr. Melifonwu, a UK-trained nurse consultant in stroke rehabilitation, recalled that since returning to Nigeria in 2012, she had been advocating for stroke care services but had seen little government action. She urged the government to implement policies that would provide free hospital care for stroke prevention and treatment.
She identified high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and sickle cell disease as major risk factors for stroke. According to her, effective management of these conditions could significantly reduce stroke cases.
Dr. Melifonwu also stressed the importance of public awareness, urging Nigerians to learn the FAST test—Face, Arms, Speech, and Time—to recognize stroke symptoms and seek immediate medical attention.
“Preventing stroke starts with each of us. Knowing the warning signs and taking action can save lives,” she stated.
The training session was attended by nurses, medical doctors, and other healthcare professionals, who actively participated in discussions and practical sessions aimed at improving stroke management in the country.
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