Toba Owojaiye reportingÂ
Abuja, NigeriaÂ
In an impassioned address at the recent National Brain and Spine Injury Conference, Ambassador Zainab Mohammed, emphasized the critical importance of prioritizing brain and spine health in Nigeria’s diverse and dynamic communities.
She began by proposing a multifaceted approach, stressing the need for grassroots initiatives, stating, “Our journey begins with a profound commitment to grassroots initiatives.”
Truth Live News gathered that she drew attention to the concerning rate of 5.3 cases per week in the country, emphasizing that, “Each case represents a life, a story, a testament to the urgent need for awareness and prevention.”
Highlighting prevalent causes of injuries in rural areas, she urged a proactive stance through community workshops and school programs, noting, “(Most cases of brain and spine-related injuries) span from car and bike accidents to accidents among teenagers playing in boarding schools, to wrong postures in cutting of trees for firewood and domestic accidents for toddlers between age 0 to 2 years.”
A key proposal involved establishing one mobile clinic per federal constituency, and Ambassador Zainab envisioned them as, “beacons of hope in remote areas, offering basic check-ups and consultations.” She stressed the importance of education, saying, “In schools, we must plant the seeds of a healthier future,” and urged that, “Let our children grow in an environment where safety is paramount.”
Emphasizing the importance of healthcare workers, Ambassador Zainab stated, “Healthcare workers, the unsung heroes in our communities, need specialized training.” She advocated for collaboration, urging, “We must join forces with NGOs and international donor organizations, pooling resources and expertise.”
Cultural integration was presented as a vital thread in the tapestry of brain and spine health awareness, with Ambassador Zainab suggesting, “Through traditional rulers and just street gossip, we can embed knowledge, making it inseparable from the fabric of our traditions.”
The ambassador proposed a robust data collection system, stating, “I recommend that the mobile clinics also double as a data collection and collation center,” and emphasized the role of reliable data as, “our compass, guiding us to precision in our efforts, ensuring no life is left to chance.”
The event was well attended by top stakeholders in the paramilitary and health sector.
In closing, Ambassador Zainab called for urgent actions, stating, “Through workshops, clinics, education, and data-driven initiatives, we forge a shield that protects the intricate web of our brain and spine.” Gratitude was expressed to the conference organizers, and a collective commitment was urged to become, “architects of a healthier, safer Nigeria.”