World Multiple Sclerosis Day: Only 80 Registered Neurologists In Nigeria
Despite having a population of over 206 million citizens, Nigeria has only around 80 registered neurologists within the country. This is a disproportionate figure that points to a gross inadequacy of medical specialists who have the expertise in diagnosing and treating diseases of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves such as Multiple Sclerosis.
Experts had expressed their views and concerns on this during a webinar organised by Roche Nigeria in commemoration of the World Multiple Sclerosis Day (World MS Day) which is usually observed on the 30th of May with this year’s theme being: “I Connect, We Connect”
Dr. Peter Alabi, a Consultant Neurologist from the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, stated that approximately 2.8 million people are living with Multiple Sclerosis in the world and 60% of those who live with the condition are women.
He said that in Nigeria, an estimated number of 10,048 people are living with MS and that the diagnosis of the condition remains a stress area, with numerous challenges such as limited access to diagnostic tools, serology testing, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Other challenges, he said, include low disease awareness amongst the public and limited access to medications required to manage the disease.
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“Multiple Sclerosis was believed initially to be a condition found amongst white people, particularly those of Northern European descent. However, in recent times more cases are showing up amongst Blacks and Africans in general. Though the presentation in Africa is fairly recent, the disease can be managed by Neurologists available at any of the Teaching hospitals in the country. A Neurologist is able to provide a patient with individualised management of the symptoms and slow disease progression; as well as advise on home care and support, depending on the symptoms and signs presented.”
Dr. Alabi stressed that the value and the purpose of the World MS Day was in raising awareness, driving acceptance and inclusion, and shifting the public consciousness favourably with regards to the condition.
Dr. Ladi Hameed, the General Manager of Roche Nigeria, emphasised the need for there to be more concerted efforts to in achieving the purpose of World MS Day.
He said that Roche Nigeria planned to map MS patients’ journey by identifying data gaps and launching clinical trials to understand how MS affects a typical African patient. He also mentioned that the company is willing to collaborate with stakeholders to develop data registries as well as work with MS patient groups within the country in order to reduce the stigma and increase awareness.
“Over the years, Roche Products Limited has demonstrated its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system. Understanding MS disease progression and educating the public on basic symptoms will lead to timely referrals to specialists in the hospitals and improve the lives of these patients. In addition, working with Neurologists, the Federal Ministry of Health, diagnostic centres for laboratory testing, imaging, and engaging local patient support groups will address the unique health care system challenges that disrupt access to MS diagnosis and its management,” he said.
