Health
Experts seek support for multiple sclerosis patients
By Grace Edema
Experts and stakeholders have called for urgent government intervention, increased awareness, and improved access to care for people living with multiple sclerosis, a chronic neurological condition, as cases remain underdiagnosed in Nigeria.
The call was made during a joint advocacy and sensitisation programme organised by The Nerve of My Multiple Sclerosis in collaboration with the Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area, Ikeja, Lagos State.
In a statement signed on Thursday by the founder of the group, Mrs Nathalie Busari, the organisation said the programme aimed to educate residents and reduce stigma surrounding the disease, noting that four survivors attended physically while nine others joined virtually to share their experiences.
Speaking at the event, Ms Oyefunso Orenuga, a Nigerian representative of the organisation and a PhD student in Community Health Nursing at the University of Ibadan, said her research focuses on developing culturally tailored support systems for patients.
“My interest is in developing a culturally tailored psychoeducational programme that will help MS survivors cope and live a better quality of life.
Multiple sclerosis can pull you down. It affects you emotionally and can affect every part of your body,” she said.
She stressed that beyond medication, patients require strong social and community support.
“It is not only drugs that can help you cope. Sometimes you feel fatigued and tired. You need support from family, community, and society to manage the condition effectively,” she added.
Orenuga explained that the initiative incorporates indigenous approaches to address misconceptions about the disease.
“Many people still believe it is spiritual or caused by ‘village people’. We are using culturally relevant tools like proverbs and local expressions to disabuse their minds and encourage them to seek medical help,” she said.
She further highlighted the stigma faced by patients, recounting how some are ridiculed in public.
“One of the survivors shared how people laughed at her in the market, asking if she was drunk because of how she walked. These experiences can be humiliating, but with awareness and support, patients can live meaningful lives,” she said.
According to her, MS has no known cure and is often difficult to diagnose.
“Diagnosis can take between three and five years. The cause is unknown, though factors like genetics, environment, viruses, and vitamin D deficiency are being studied. The condition occurs when the immune system attacks the body, damaging the nerves,” she explained.
She called on the government to include MS treatment under health insurance and subsidise diagnostic and treatment costs.
“MRI can cost over N400,000, and some medications cost over N1m. Government should provide subsidies and recruit more neurologists because we do not have enough specialists in Nigeria,” she said.
Also speaking, Co-founder of the organisation, Bamidele Busari, emphasised the need for data collection and policy inclusion.
“A disease people do not believe exists in Nigeria will not attract investment. We need a register of patients to engage government and pharmaceutical companies and push for reduced drug costs,” he said.
He added that the group aims to promote research, education, and patient support.
“We want to empower patients to understand their condition and engage healthcare providers better. Support also includes raising funds to assist those who cannot afford treatment,” he said.
The Vice Chairman of Onigbongbo LCDA, Mr Shamsudeen Oloyede, described the awareness programme as impactful.
“This is my first time hearing about this disease in this community. It is important that we continue to sensitise our people so they can understand the symptoms and seek early medical attention,” he said.
He urged residents to prioritise their health and report unusual symptoms promptly.
“Early detection is key. People should visit hospitals when they notice anything unusual,” he added.
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