Download REPORT ON THE WORLD STROKE DAY CELEBRATION

2013
REPORT ON THE WORLD
STROKE DAY CELEBRATION
ABEOKUTA STROKE
NETWORK
10/29/2013
WORLD STROKE DAY
INTRODUCTION
The World Stroke Day is observed on the 29th of October of every year since 2006 to underscore the
serious nature and high rate of stroke, raise awareness on the prevention and treatment of the
condition and ensure better care and support for survivors. On this day, organizations around the
world have facilitated events emphasizing education, screening for stroke risk factors and other
initiatives to ameliorate the effects of stroke worldwide.
In several hospitals in Nigeria, stroke is a leading medical emergency, a leading cause of death and
disability. It is the most common cause of neurologic admission constituting up to 80%. Every minute,
one Nigerian and up to six Africans develop a stroke. In previous surveys conducted in Nigeria,
assessing stroke literacy in the general population and among health workers, low awareness of
stroke and its risk factors was observed among the general populace and perception was biased by
cultural and religious beliefs.
In an effort to enhance the awareness, effective acute and chronic care, and prevention of stroke in
the immediate environment, the Division of Neurology of the Department of Medicine of the Federal
Medical Centre (FMC) Abeokuta established the Abeokuta Stroke Network (ASN) with the goal of
“harmonizing efforts towards effective stroke care, education and research across hospitals within the
city of Abeokuta and its immediate environment”.
ACTIVITIES
In keeping up with the vision and programmes of the network, series of activities were organized to
commemorate the World Stroke Day with the theme ’because I care...’.as designated by the World
Stroke Organization (WSO).
These activities include:
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Awareness Programme on Ogun State Television.
Rally and health talks at Kuto Central Market with market men and women as the targeted
audience.
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Free BMI, blood pressure and blood glucose check at the market place.
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Advice and answers to individuals with questions.
Awareness Programme on OGTV
Health talks were given during the week preceding the World Stroke Day and on the day of the
programme. They include:
Ilera: This is a popular indigenous (Yoruba) health talk show which educates the viewing audience on
various health concerns. This programme featured key members of our team; Dr Oluwadara Ola,
from Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, Abeokuta and Mrs S. Alabi, an assistant chief nursing officer
with the Neurology Unit at the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta; on the 28th of October,
2013 at 11am. They talked extensively on stroke prevention, itemizing the various risk factors and
emphasizing regular check-ups, especially of blood pressure, sugar and lipid levels in the blood and
weight. Mrs S. Alabi also pointed out that sedentary lifestyle predisposes one to obesity, a risk factor
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WORLD STROKE DAY
for stroke and encouraged 30 minutes of exercise at least three to four times a week as well as
regular intake of fruits and vegetables such as five servings per day.
Health Scope: This is an English Health talk show featuring Health personnel from different
specialties. This week, two key members of ASN team were featured on the programme; Dr. Olajide
Oladeji, a resident doctor with the neurology unit of the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta
and Dr. Folajimi Otubogun, a senior registrar in the same unit. During the talk show, they provided a
brief overview on stroke, its risk factors (modifiable and non-modifiable), current management of
stroke in Nigeria and latest developments in the management of stroke. They also emphasized the
importance of regular check-up and avoidance of habits such as heavy alcohol intake, smoking,
taking too much salt etc. The program was televised on the 29th of October at 1:30 pm.
New dawn: This is an early morning live program that addresses several issues and events in our
community. On the 28th of October by 8.30am, OGTV also played host on this programme to two
members of the ASN team; Dr. Foluke Omotoso, a resident doctor in the department of Family
Medicine, Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, Abeokuta (one of the hospitals within the Abeokuta Stroke
Network) and Mrs. S. Alabi. They gave a brief history of the world stroke day, its importance and a
brief overview of stroke but emphasized the preventive measures. The telephone lines were opened
to the public, several people called in with questions relating to hypertension, diabetes, exercise,
misconceptions about stroke and suggestions on the management of stroke such as alternative
medicine.
Activities at the Kuto Central Market, Abeokuta
Rally: The World Stroke Day celebration opened at about 9.30am with a brief rally around the Kuto
Central Market. Members of the ASN team moved from store to store distributing the stroke leaflets
and mobilising the market men and women for the health talk.
Health Talk: Mrs. S. Alabi engaged the market women and men in a health talk in the local Yoruba
dialect using a public address system. During the talk, she emphasized the importance of stroke
prevention and ways it could be prevented.
Free screening: The highlight of the day was the free screening carried out on the individuals
(market men and women) present. Parameters checked include;
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Blood pressure check;
Random blood sugar and
Weight and height
In addition, they were able to meet with the doctors present, who interpreted the result and gave
necessary advice. Although, over 200 persons were screened, only 162 persons were registered as
most chose anonymity.
RESOURCES
In order for this programme to be successful, we needed funds and this was made possible by the
goodwill donations of members of the team and the Advisory Board of the ASN. We also got funds
and support from the management of the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta.
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The Workforce consisted of doctors, nurses, health officers and support staff from Federal Medical
Centre, Idi-Aba, and Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, Abeokuta.
APPRECIATIONS
We appreciate the:
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Medical Directors of the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba (FMCA) and Sacred Heart Hospital,
Lantoro, Abeokuta
Management and Staff of the Ogun State Television (OGTV);
Advisory Board, Abeokuta Stroke Network (ASN)
Dr. O. F. Adesina, Head of Department, Internal Medicine, FMC Abeokuta;
Mrs. D. I. Adesina, Head of department, Nursing services, FMC Abeokuta;
Chief Nursing Officers of the various nursing departments, FMC Abeokuta;
All the Heads of Departments and staff of FMC Abeokuta
Staff of Sacred Heart Hospital, Lantoro, Abeokuta.
Everyone who was present at the rally;
for their contributions to the success of the World Stroke Day 2013..
Special acknowledgments to the members of the Abeokuta Stroke Network (ASN) Team, who worked
diligently to propagate the network.
Abeokuta Stroke Network
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