In commemoration of the 2022 World Multiple Sclerosis Day (World MS Day), Roche Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to strengthen stakeholder partnerships to drive public sensitisation on multiple sclerosis, a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord that affects the central nervous system.
Sclerosis is a disease that has to do with abnormal hardening of body tissue.
World MS Day is typically observed on May 30 each year and the theme for the year 2022 is connections. Established by the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF) in 2009, World MS Day seeks to unite the global MS community to share stories, raise awareness, and campaign with and for everyone affected by the condition.
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“Over the years, Roche Products Limited has demonstrated its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system. Understanding MS disease progression and educating the public on basic symptoms will lead to timely referrals to specialists in the hospitals and improve the lives of these patients. In addition, working with neurologists, the federal ministry of health, diagnostic centres for laboratory testing, imaging, and engaging local patient support groups will address the unique health care system challenges that disrupt access to MS diagnosis and its management,” Ladi Hameed, general manager, Roche Products Nigeria Limited stated during a virtual media sensitisation and panel discussion on World MS Day.
Hameed disclosed that Roche plans to map the MS patients’ journey by identifying data gaps, launching clinical trials to understand how MS affects a typical African patient. Accordingly, Roche is also willing to collaborate with stakeholders to develop data registries and analyse these insights as well as work with MS patient groups within the country to reduce the stigma and increase awareness.
Peter Alabi, consultant neurologist, the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, kicked off the session by educating the media on multiple sclerosis and its incidence in Nigeria. He stressed the value of the commemoration in raising awareness, driving acceptance and inclusion, and shifting the public consciousness favourably with regards to the condition.
