馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Experts advocate for government support and awareness for multiple sclerosis patients in Nigeria
via Punch Nigeria10 min read
Experts and stakeholders are calling for urgent government intervention, increased awareness, and improved access to care for individuals living with multiple sclerosis in Nigeria, citing a high rate of underdiagnosis. This appeal was made during a joint advocacy and sensitization program organized by The Nerve of My Multiple Sclerosis in collaboration with the Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area in Ikeja, Lagos State. Mrs. Nathalie Busari, founder of The Nerve of My Multiple Sclerosis, stated that the program aimed to educate residents and reduce the stigma associated with the disease. Ms. Oyefunso Orenuga, a Nigerian representative of the organization and a PhD student, highlighted the need for culturally tailored psychoeducational programs to help patients cope, emphasizing that beyond medication, strong social and community support is crucial. She noted that many misconceptions exist, with some believing the disease is spiritual, and the initiative uses indigenous approaches to address these. Ms. Orenuga also pointed out the significant financial burden of diagnosis and treatment, with MRI scans costing over N400,000 and some medications exceeding N1m, urging the government to include MS treatment under health insurance and subsidize costs. Co-founder Bamidele Busari stressed the importance of data collection and policy inclusion, advocating for a patient register to engage government and pharmaceutical companies for reduced drug costs. Mr. Shamsudeen Oloyede, Vice
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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