FRANKFURT, Germany - Thursday, 24. October 2024 AETOSWire
Official launch of the “Access to Health” initiative announced at the
World Stroke Congress by WSO President, Dr. Sheila Martins
Partnership aims to reduce healthcare disparities with pilot projects in Nigeria and Tanzania
Project leaders and healthcare professionals convene to discuss next steps and project execution
(BUSINESS
WIRE) -- Today, at the annual World Stroke Congress in Abu Dhabi, the
President of the World Stroke Organization (WSO), Dr. Sheila Martins,
officially announced a partnership with Merz Therapeutics to launch the
‘Access to Health’ initiative. This project, focusing on addressing
healthcare disparities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), will
begin with two pilot projects in Nigeria and Tanzania.
During
the event, project leaders from around the world gathered to discuss
next steps and the strategic direction of this innovative partnership.
“We are incredibly proud to be part of a mission that can make a
tangible difference in the lives of stroke survivors in underserved
communities,” said Stefan König, CEO of Merz Therapeutics. “Our
collaboration with the World Stroke Organization will enable us to
expand access to much-needed stroke care in regions where healthcare
infrastructure is yet limited.”
The initiative aims to tackle the
critical issues facing stroke care in these regions, where the
incidence of stroke is high, particularly among younger populations.
Stroke cases in Sub-Saharan Africa are projected to rise dramatically,
with an annual incidence rate of 316 cases per 100,000 people and a
3-year fatality rate exceeding 80%. Limited public awareness, inadequate
rehabilitation facilities, and a shortage of healthcare professionals
further exacerbate the crisis1.
Pilot Programs in Nigeria and Tanzania
In
Nigeria, the initiative will focus on building capacity in stroke care
by enhancing the education and training of neurologists and healthcare
professionals. This will include the development of comprehensive
educational modules designed to improve post-stroke rehabilitation
programs. The goal is to expand the workforce’s ability to provide
state-of-the-art stroke management and rehabilitation.
In
Tanzania, the initiative will concentrate on improving patient access to
stroke care services in low-resource settings. Building on the existing
efforts led by the WSO, Merz Therapeutics will offer strategic support
to further develop stroke care infrastructure, specifically through the
support of stroke units in hospitals. Merz Therapeutics aims to improve
patient outcomes by consulting local healthcare providers to enable
comprehensive and multidisciplinary care for underserved communities.
Creating Sustainable Healthcare Solutions
Launched
in 2023, the Access to Health initiative is part of Merz Therapeutics’
broader strategy to reduce healthcare disparities in LMICs through
healthcare professional training, patient education, strategic
partnerships, and employee volunteering. By collaborating with the WSO,
Merz Therapeutics aims to establish scalable healthcare models that can
be replicated globally, ensuring that everyone, regardless of geographic
or economic barriers, has access to high-quality medical care.
“Our
long-term goal is to create sustainable, scalable healthcare
improvements that can transform stroke care in these regions and
beyond,” said Stefan Albrecht, Chief Scientific and Medical Officer of
Merz Therapeutics. “This initiative embodies our commitment to making
healthcare more equitable and accessible for all.”
About Merz Therapeutics
Merz
Therapeutics is dedicated to improving the lives of patients around the
world. With its relentless research, development and culture of
innovation, Merz Therapeutics strives to serve unmet patient needs and
realize better outcomes. Merz Therapeutics seeks to address the unique
needs of people who suffer from movement disorders, neurological
conditions, liver disease and other health conditions that severely
impact patients’ quality of life.
Merz Therapeutics is
headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany and is represented in more
than 90 countries, with a North America affiliate based in Raleigh,
North Carolina. Merz Therapeutics GmbH is part of the Merz Group, a
privately held, family-owned company that has dedicated 115 years to
developing innovations that serve unmet patient and customer needs.
Please visit www.merztherapeutics.com
About the World Stroke Organization
The
World Stroke Organization (WSO) is the world's leading organization in
the fight against stroke, dedicated to reducing the global burden of
stroke through research, education, and advocacy. The WSO works with
national organizations and thousands of individual members to improve
stroke care and prevent stroke worldwide.
1Akinyemi, R. O.,
Ovbiagele, B., Adeniji, O. A., Sarfo, F. S., Abd-Allah, F., Adoukonou,
T., Ogah, O. S., Naidoo, P., Damasceno, A., Walker, R. W., Ogunniyi, A.,
Kalaria, R. N., & Owolabi, M. O. (2021). Stroke in Africa: profile,
progress, prospects and priorities. Nature reviews. Neurology, 17(10),
634–656. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41582-021-00542-4
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Contacts
Merz Therapeutics GmbH
Agnes Tesch
Global Communications
+49 69 1503 2129
agnes.tesch@merz.de
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