Stroke Action Nigeria, as part of its activities to help improve stroke care and prevention, is developing ways to recruit, develop and support stroke survivors, carers of stroke survivors, health and social care professionals and individuals interested in stroke care to become holistic Stroke-care volunteers.
Recently, the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) pledged partnership with Stroke Action Nigeria, a not-for-profit organisation working with stroke survivors and their carers, to design programmes that will address the growing incidence of stroke in Nigeria.
Christian Onyebuchi Chukwu, a professor and the honourable minister of Health, stated this in Abuja when the members of the Board of Stroke Action Nigeria led by its founder and CEO Rita Melifonwu paid him a courtesy visit.
Chukwu referred to Melifonwu as “one of Nigeria’s leading lights in the United Kingdom” and expressed happiness at the work of Stroke Action in the United Kingdom under her leadership. He urged Melifonwu to ensure
that “Stroke Action Nigeria takes cognisance of the Nigerian environment as it rolls out its programmes and we are willing to commence dialogue with the organisation to determine areas of cooperation. This initiative is in line with the ministry’s objectives of designing health initiatives that align with the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.”
The meeting was held to explore areas of partnership between Stroke Action Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Health in driving stroke programs in Nigeria. Melifonwu gave the minister an overview of the organisation’s vision and mission, activities undertaken, and plans to provide holistic approaches to preventative care, rehabilitation, self-management and social support for stroke survivors and their families. She informed him that it is the grim stroke statistics that necessitated their request for partnerships to tame the deadly trend.
“Stroke is the third lead
ing cause of mortality worldwide and one of the biggest causes of deaths in Nigeria,” said Melifonwu. “This is why it has become expedient to form strategic partnerships with the government and together, develop programs that will help manage the occurrence of stroke amongst Nigerians, rehabilitate and care for the needs of stroke survivors.”
Other members of the Stroke Action Nigeria board that visited the minister include Biodun Ogungbo, a consultant nurosurgeon at the Cedarcrest Hospital and Nn’emeka Maduegbuna, chairman/CEO, C&F Porter Novelli.
Stroke Action Nigeria is a not-for-profit community interest organisation working with stroke survivors, their carers, and partners to promote meaningful, evidence based and quality ‘Life after a Stroke’ in the community. The organisation was formed out of Stroke Action UK, a leading stroke care organisation with headquarters in London.
KEMI AJUMOBI
