Project Overview:
Centre for Initiative and Development, CFID with support from the Pfizer Independent Medical Educational Grant conduct the project titled, “Improving Migraine Disease Awareness and Access to Diagnosis, Treatment Adherence, and Care Among Students, Educators, Parents, and Community Members in Nigeria.”
The intervention addresses the underdiagnosed and misunderstood condition of migraines in Nigeria, focusing on underserved rural and semi-urban communities in Taraba and Adamawa states. By increasing awareness and equipping individuals with the tools for self-care and treatment adherence, the project empowers students, teachers, parents, and community members to manage migraines effectively and foster supportive environments.
Project Objectives:
- Raise awareness of migraine disease among 49,500 individuals, including 15,000 students, 4,500 teachers, 7,000 parents, and 23,000 community members.
- Promote treatment adherence and self-care through peer education and community engagement.
- Create migraine-friendly schools and communities by establishing support networks and advocacy groups.
Key Activities:
Baseline Surveys and Advocacy:
- Conducted comprehensive baseline assessments to gauge existing knowledge and misconceptions about migraines.
- Engaged key stakeholders, including health and education ministries, to secure support for the project’s implementation and sustainability.
Peer Education Training:
- Trained 150 students and teachers across target schools to serve as peer educators, disseminating knowledge about migraines within schools and communities.
- Developed comprehensive educational materials, including toolkits and modules targeting various audiences (students, teachers, parents, and community members).
Community Peer Sessions During Holiday Periods:
- Extended peer education efforts to community settings, reaching over 200 parents and community members in homes, places of worship, and local gatherings.
- Empowered participants with practical strategies for identifying and managing migraine triggers, reducing stigma, and promoting a migraine-aware environment.
Support Groups for Migraineurs:
- Organized support group sessions for individuals with migraines, connecting them with healthcare services and fostering ongoing education and peer interaction.
Awareness Campaigns:
- Launched radio, television, and social media campaigns, reaching over 15,000 individuals with key messages about migraine awareness and care.
Outcomes and Impact:
- Enhanced awareness and understanding of migraines, reaching over 35,000 individuals to date.
- Improved access to diagnosis and treatment, with over 200 individuals identified as migraine champions and advocates.
- Established 20 migraine support clubs and advocacy networks in schools and communities.
- Empowered students, teachers, and parents to reduce stigma and support individuals living with migraines through shared knowledge and experiences.
Testimonials:
Peer Educator: “Now I understand the importance of identifying migraine triggers and educating others. I plan to continue sharing this knowledge with my community.”
Parent: “The town hall meeting opened my eyes to the seriousness of migraines. I’ll take my child’s symptoms more seriously and seek medical attention when needed.”
Sustainability and Next Steps:
CFID remains committed to expanding the reach of this initiative through continued stakeholder engagement and the establishment of migraine-focused school clubs. These efforts aim to ensure long-term impact and community ownership of migraine management and care.
In-school peer sessions among students across intervention schools.
Peer session with teachers in one of the intervention schools.
Community session on Migraine education with parents and community members.
