*Health experts converge on Asaba, Delta State capital, for a four-day intensive training programme to equip healthcare workers with the requisite skills to prevent, detect, and treat strokes more effectively in Nigeria

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

In a decisive move to address stroke as a growing health crisis in Nigeria, the World Stroke Organisation (WSO), Stroke Action Nigeria, Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Asaba, in Delta State, Asaba Specialist Hospital (ASH), and Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Onitsha, in Anambra State, have joined forces for a four-day intensive training programme.

绿帽献妻 reports the programme was designed to equip healthcare workers with the skills to prevent, detect, and treat strokes more effectively in the country.

The programme attracted leading stroke specialists from around the world, including WSO President Prof. Jeyaraj Pandian, former WSO President Prof Sheila Martins, Dr. Rita Melifonwu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Stroke Action Nigeria and Board Member of the World Stroke Organisation, and other experts from Nigeria, India, Canada, Rwanda, and the United Kingdom (UK).

Through hands-on training and expert-led sessions, healthcare workers learned best practices for recognising stroke symptoms, responding in emergencies, and providing life-saving care.

The training sessions took place simultaneously in multiple locations, including FMC and ASH in Asaba as well as in Onitsha, Anambra, Independent report also said.

Stroke is a leading cause of disability, death worldwide: Dr. Esunu

Speaking on the importance of the health programme, Dr. Emmanuel Ezunu, Chief Consultant Neurologist at FMC Asaba,

Stressing the urgency of the situation, Dr. Ezunu was quoted to have said: 鈥淪troke is the leading cause of disability worldwide and the second leading cause of death.

鈥淲e all need to work together to reduce the burden of stroke.

“This training is a crucial step to ensure our health workers are well-equipped to handle every stage of stroke care.鈥�

In his presentation, Dr. Francis Ugoeze, Lead for the Research Study Recruitment and Implementation Team, warned about the rising risks among young people due to poor lifestyle choices.

Dr. Ugoeze stated: 鈥淚t鈥檚 important to watch what we eat, avoid junk food, smoking, and hard drugs, and stay active,鈥� he advised.

Likewise, Dr. Melifonwu emphasised that stroke is not just a health crisis but a preventable one.

The expert said: 鈥淥ne in four adults over 25 is at risk.

“We need more awareness and lifestyle changes to reduce stroke cases.”

She also shared plans to establish 鈥楲ife After Stroke鈥� centres in Nigeria, offering much-needed support for survivors, especially those struggling financially.

Dr. Chiamaka Okereke, a consultant neurologist and member of the research team, highlighted how these efforts are about more than just education, they鈥檙e about saving lives.

Okereke noted: 鈥淚f more people recognise stroke symptoms early and seek medical help immediately, we can prevent many unnecessary deaths and disabilities.”

Experts at the event urged the Nigerian Government to take action by increasing public awareness and investing in stroke care facilities.

They emphasised the need for acute stroke units and post-stroke rehabilitation centres to provide patients with the care and support they need to recover.

This initiative represents a major step toward a future where stroke is no longer a leading cause of disability and death in Nigeria.

With greater awareness, improved healthcare training, and better facilities, countless lives can be saved, report added.

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