A major global intervention is underway to tackle Nigeria’s rising stroke epidemic, as top medical specialists from around the world converge in the country for an intensive four-day training on stroke prevention, early detection, and treatment. The initiative, spearheaded by the World Stroke Organization (WSO), Stroke Action Nigeria, FMC Onitsha, FMC Asaba, and Asaba Specialist Hospital, aims to revolutionize stroke care and save thousands of lives.
Renowned stroke specialists, including WSO President Prof. Jeyaranj Pandian, former WSO President Sheila Martins, and Dr. Rita Melifonwu, CEO of Stroke Action Nigeria, led expert-driven sessions alongside top neurologists from Nigeria, India, Canada, Rwanda, and the UK.
Dr. Melifonwu emphasized that stroke remains one of Nigeria’s deadliest but preventable health challenges, with 1 in 4 adults over 25 at risk. She called for increased awareness, lifestyle modifications, and improved emergency response strategies to curb the rising cases.
A groundbreaking announcement from the initiative was the establishment of “Life After Stroke” centers across Nigeria, aimed at supporting stroke survivors, especially those in financial distress.
Dr. Chiamaka Okereke, a consultant for the program, stressed the life-saving impact of this training, stating, “We want to ensure that more people recognize stroke symptoms early and get the care they need when it matters most.”
This initiative marks a major step toward reducing stroke-related deaths and disabilities in Nigeria, setting the stage for improved healthcare policies and early intervention strategies nationwide.
