The Centre for Initiative and Development (CFID) has announced an ambitious plan to enhance the understanding of migraine disease among over 15,000 secondary school students in Taraba State.
The initiative, according to the Centre aims to create a high level of awareness about the condition among students.
During a town hall meeting on Migraine and Headache Awareness month – June 2024, CFID revealed that 4,500 educators, 7,000 parents, and 23,000 community members would also be equipped with the necessary knowledge to identify and support individuals suffering from migraines.
The meeting, as observed by our correspondent, brought together implementing partners from the State Ministry of Health, Education State Post-Primary Management Board, National Human Rights Commission (NHMRC), community and religious leaders, and the Parents Teachers Association.
Oscar Fack, the Project Coordinator, stated that the project seeks to improve access to diagnosis and self-care for diagnosed patients.
The initiative, as made known by him, will establish 20 migraine support clubs in schools and 15 social networks/support groups in workplaces and communities.
Additionally, 80 students, 40 educators, and 30 community members, he said will be identified and trained as migraine champions and advocates.
More to that, plans as affirmed by the Centre, are underway to adapt and create media toolkits in English and local languages to raise awareness and increase access to diagnosis.
Fack emphasized the need to create a supportive environment for those living with migraines, noting that the condition is often misunderstood and stigmatized.
Read also: Why Africa, Global South must resist environmental dispossession, green energy colonialism
Supporting Fack’s call, Dr Mashak Gusen, a Consultant Family Physician from Jos University Teaching Hospital, urged the immediate establishment of policies to improve migraine management in Taraba State and across Nigeria.
He highlighted the debilitating impact of migraines and the necessity of collaboration to create a migraine-friendly environment and implement supportive policies.
The project which was supported by the Pfizer Independent Medical Educational Grant, heralded the presence of leaders from different organizations, among who including the Ministry of Health, t
Education , State Post-Primary Management Board,National Human Right Commission (NHMRC), community and religion leaders, and Parents Teachers Association (PTA).
