World Stroke Organisation (WSO)
As part of efforts to combat the rising incidence of stroke in Nigeria, the World Stroke Organisation (WSO), in collaboration with Stroke Action Nigeria (SAN), has commenced a four-day sensitisation training for medical and ancillary health workers in Delta State.
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The training, themed “Reducing the Burden of Stroke in Nigeria,” is being held at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba, with over 200 healthcare professionals from FMC Asaba and Asaba Specialist Hospital in attendance. The initiative aims to equip participants with essential skills in stroke prevention, early detection, and management.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Rita Melifonwu, Board Member of the World Stroke Organisation and Chief Executive of Stroke Action Nigeria, emphasised the urgency of tackling stroke cases in Nigeria. She debunked common myths associating stroke with witchcraft or spiritual attacks, stressing that it is a medical and lifestyle-related condition that, when detected early, can be effectively managed.
Read also: Giving Hope to Stroke Patients through MAID Foundation
According to her, stroke symptoms can be identified using the BEFAST acronym:
B – Balance loss
E – Eye problems (sudden vision loss)
F – Face drooping
A – Arm weakness
S – Speech difficulty
T – Time (immediate medical intervention is critical)
She highlighted hypertension, diabetes, and unhealthy lifestyles as major risk factors and urged Nigerians to take proactive measures in monitoring their health.
Dr. Melifonwu further announced that Stroke Action Nigeria has procured essential equipment to establish a Life After Stroke Centre at FMC Asaba. The centre will provide rehabilitation services, including a stroke clinic, a physiotherapy gym, and communication support facilities for stroke survivors.
“Stroke survivors in the general medical ward can access these services to aid their recovery and improve their quality of life,” she added.
Dr. Emmanuel Ezunu, Chief Consultant Neurologist at FMC Asaba, stressed that stroke remains the leading cause of disability worldwide and the second leading cause of death. He called for stronger collaborations to improve stroke prevention, emergency response, and rehabilitation services.
He reiterated the need for government support in providing ambulances and emergency response systems, urging citizens to enroll in basic healthcare plans for better access to cost-effective medical care.
The four-day training covers critical aspects of stroke care, including acute stroke management, prevention strategies, surveillance, and rehabilitation. The initiative underscores the commitment of WSO and SAN to raising awareness and reducing the devastating impact of stroke in Nigeria.
