As experts converge on Abuja against stroke Stroke Action UK - TopicsExpress



          

As experts converge on Abuja against stroke Stroke Action UK and Stroke Action Nigeria, not-for-profit sister organisations working with stroke survivors and their carers, entered into a strategic partnership with the Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain on September 13, 2014. This partnership was agreed upon in Plymouth, South West England. It will lead to the establishment of a Stroke Action Alliance in the United Kingdom to drive a better stroke care in Nigeria, by tapping into the extensive resources of Nigerian medical and allied health care professionals in MANSAG. The alliance will help to drive the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed by Stroke Action Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Health on September 30, 2013. Rita Melifonwu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Stroke Action Nigeria, expressed her joy at the ground-breaking partnership, saying that the organisation’s hope of providing holistic approach to preventative care, rehabilitation, self-management and social support for stroke survivors and their families in Nigeria is being fulfilled. She said, “As a first step, a high-level stakeholder meeting of the Joint Technical Committee (based on the MoU between FMOH, MANSAG and other Diaspora medical associations) that advises on medical education and health care delivery in Nigeria has been scheduled to hold in November 2014, where it is expected to facilitate the setting up of a Stroke Reference Group with the Federal Ministry of Health representatives, as contained in the SAN-FMOH pact.” The Stroke Reference Group, which will be co-facilitated by SAN and MANSAG, will proceed to produce a stroke strategy for Nigeria as detailed in the MOU, and also oversee the Stroke Strategy Implementation in terms of campaign, awareness, prevention and after care for the benefits of the Nigerian public in general, and stroke survivors and carers, in particular. Dr. Jacob Akoh, MANSAG President, is optimistic of the prospects of the partnership, stating, “The partnership is a welcome development that is in line with MANSAG’s strategy for improving health care delivery in Nigeria. It will provide the members of the group an opportunity to deploy their resources into providing the much needed stroke care and support to their brothers and sisters at home.” World Stroke Day 2014 We marked the World Stroke Day in Abuja in real style. The Stroke Assembly was organised by Stroke Action, Nigeria at the new opulent Sandralia Hotel, in Jabi. The event was a meeting calling for formation of alliances similar to the partnership forged with MANSAG above. The following stakeholders honoured our invitation and pledged to work with Stroke Action to drive the MoU with the FMOH. The Nigeria Medical Association (FCT) The Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (FCT) The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (FCT) Society of Physiotherapists of Nigeria (FCT) His Royal Highness, Oba Emmanuel Obiechina graced the occasion as the Father of the Day, supported by eminent religious leaders such as Pastor Kayode Arigbede and Resident Pastor Basil Okpe, representing faith organisations with a strong interest in stroke advocacy in Nigeria. Mrs. Rita Melifonwu, Dr. Ogugua Osi-Ogbu and Mrs. Florence Mbogu of Stroke Action, Nigeria anchored the programme, supported by stroke ambassadors and members of SFIA (Spine Fixed in Abuja). We used the opportunity to listen to seasoned lecturers such as Drs. Onye Achilihu and Saheed Alimi, who delivered strong messages about stroke and the need for stroke prevention, early presentation and improvements in stroke care delivery in Nigeria. Stroke Achievement Awards were given to two stroke survivors, their wives and several stroke ambassadors. The assembly was also a fantastic occasion to recognise the work of the ‘For Every Stroke’ team (represented by Miss Mimi Achineku) who organised a charity run recently to raise funds for Stroke Action, Nigeria. About stroke Stroke is sudden weakness of an arm, a leg, sudden blindness, sudden confusion, and sudden problems with speaking, difficulty walking, sudden severe headaches, sudden collapse and death. Stroke is due to blockage of a blood vessel carrying blood to the brain, leading to injury or death of that part of the brain. Stroke also occurs when a blood vessel bursts open inside the brain. This is why it occurs ‘suddenly’ as the tap carrying food to the brain gets turned off! In both situations, the brain does not get the food and oxygen it requires. Therefore, early presentation to hospital, accurate recognition, diagnosis and immediate treatment is required to save the injured brain and prevent permanent injury which could lead to paralysis or death. Form an alliance with Stroke Action This article was prompted by the ground-breaking alliance with MANSAG which has declared war on stroke in 2015. The organisation provides a platform for Diasporas to contribute to nation-building. Other organisations and agencies are invited to be part of the Stroke Action Alliance. Share the article, engage with friends, family and call us for other ways you can help our advocacy, especially with donations. Call Florence Mbogu on 0818 999 9902 or e-mail me. Join us today and let us change lives for the better through effective national stroke advocacy programmes, better stroke care and life after stroke initiatives. 9jahealth.ng/category/articles/experts-converge-abuja-against-stroke
Posted on: Mon, 03 Nov 2014 12:36:00 +0000

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