The Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation (ADPF), led by Founding Trustee Maureen Desalu, has renewed its call for affordable medication, improved healthcare access and stronger government support for Nigerians living with Parkinson’s disease.
The appeal was made during the fourth edition of the Walking Football for Parkinson’s Disease Tournament, organised in collaboration with Parkinson’s Africa at Eagle Club, Surulere, Lagos.
The event brought together patients, caregivers, healthcare advocates and supporters to promote awareness, physical activity and social inclusion for people living with the neurological condition.
Speaking at the event, Desalu expressed concern over the rising cost of Parkinson’s medication, revealing that patients could spend between ₦50,000 and ₦70,000 monthly on treatment.
She explained that the financial burden forces many families to make difficult choices between purchasing medication and meeting essential household needs.
Desalu urged the federal and state governments to subsidise Parkinson’s medication and include essential drugs in the national list of essential medicines to improve access to treatment.
Beyond advocacy, the foundation continues to provide practical assistance to people living with Parkinson’s disease.
According to the foundation, at least 220 patients currently benefit from its support programmes, including free physiotherapy sessions and medication assistance funded through donations.
The Walking Football Tournament also served as an opportunity to demonstrate the importance of physical activity in managing Parkinson’s disease.
Through modified football activities, participants were encouraged to remain active, build confidence and connect with others facing similar health challenges.
Chairman of the foundation’s Advisory Council, Dr Aderemi Desalu, emphasised the need for comprehensive care that combines medication, rehabilitation, public awareness and community support.
He also encouraged greater collaboration between government institutions, healthcare professionals and private organisations to improve the quality of life of people living with the condition.
Participants at the event shared personal experiences of managing Parkinson’s disease, highlighting the financial and emotional challenges associated with long-term treatment.
Their testimonies reinforced the foundation’s call for a healthcare system that provides affordable treatment and sustained support for people living with chronic neurological conditions.
Through its advocacy and community-based interventions, the Adewunmi Desalu Parkinson’s Foundation continues to champion a future where Parkinson’s patients can access essential healthcare without overwhelming financial hardship.
The initiative demonstrates how nonprofit organisations can bridge healthcare gaps while advocating policies that protect vulnerable individuals and improve their quality of life.
