Health advocates are calling for increased awareness and better care for patients with Parkinson’s disease in Port Harcourt, following the success of awareness campaigns in Lagos. The Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation (ADPF) recently organized its fourth Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Walk in Lagos, highlighting the growing need for improved neurological care across Nigeria.
Mrs. Omorinsojo Desalu, founder of ADPF, shared her personal experience caring for her late husband with Parkinson’s, emphasizing the lack of support services in Nigeria compared to developed nations.
“Without proper treatment, Parkinson’s doesn’t kill quickly but steadily destroys quality of life,” she stated during the Lagos event. The foundation provides critical support, including free medications costing approximately ₦70,000 monthly, physiotherapy, and specialized therapies like Rock Steady Boxing.
Patients like 51-year-old Mr. Adeola Quadri, diagnosed at 42, illustrate the challenges faced in Rivers State and nationwide. Quadri initially mistook his symptoms for a stroke and struggled with the high cost of treatment before finding support. Caregivers emphasize the disease’s impact on daily living and the need for greater public understanding.
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Medical experts highlight additional hurdles, including diagnostic tools and medications primarily designed for white populations, leaving African patients with inadequate treatment options. The recent World Parkinson’s Congress raised concerns about the lack of African data in global research.
In Port Harcourt, advocates urge the establishment of local support groups, increased neurologist availability, and inclusion of Parkinson’s in state health policies. Mrs. Joy Jiringo of the Centre for Happy Elderly People stresses that “patient care requires immense patience and community support.”
