FG to inaugurate stroke reference group

Moved by the need to ensure an improved stroke prevention and care in the country, the Federal Government will on Tuesday, September 15, 2015 inaugurate the first Nigeria Stroke Reference Group (NSRG) at the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Stroke Action Nigeria Rita Melifonwu, disclosed this in a statement released recently. She further said that Linus Awute, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) would perform the inauguration.

She commended the planned inauguration of NSRG saying that it would augur well for the development and sustenance of quality stroke care in Nigeria in line with the Federal Government’s strategy on “Diaspora and Nigeria Change Agenda” which is aimed at engaging Nigerians in Diaspora as important stakeholders in national development.

NSRG was convened as part of the Stroke Action Alliance partnership between the Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain (MANSAG), Stroke Action UK and Nigeria and is expected to develop and implement a stroke strategy for Nigeria as contained in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Stroke Action Nigeria (SAN) and the Federal Ministry of Health.

The composition of the NSRG, according to her, is made up stroke management experts in Nigeria and in the Diaspora; a stroke survivor and key stakeholders in the management of stroke and its effects.

On his own part, Jacob A Akoh, President of the Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain (MANSAG) welcomed the formation of the group saying it is a key development in the fight against stroke in Nigeria.

In his words: “The Joint Technical Committee (overseeing an MoU between MANSAG, Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas, Canadian Association of Nigerian Physicians and Dentists and FMOH) is in support of this development as it is in line with MANSAG’s strategy for improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria”.

He revealed that stroke afflicts one in every six people across the world saying that the incidence in Nigeria, though estimated to be about 168,000 cases per annum, may be higher.

“No one has adequate information about the prevalence or economic and social ramifications of this non communicable disease in Nigeria and that is why the Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain (MANSAG) forged a partnership deal with Stroke Action UK and Nigeria in order to support the development of stroke services, education and training”, he added.

Stroke Action Nigeria which was founded in 2009 and launched in 2012 is a not-for-profit community interest organization working with stroke survivors, their carers, and partners to promote meaningful, evidence based and quality ‘Life after a Stroke’ in the community. The organization was borne from Stroke Action UK, a leading stroke care organization with headquarters in London.