CAH Awareness and Care: Training and Support for Early Diagnosis in Nigeria
The Nigerian team, comprising healthcare professionals and a caregiver, is dedicated to improving the early identification and management of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) through training and community support. With a focus on healthcare disparities, the project aims to enhance provider knowledge, strengthen diagnostic capabilities, and support families affected by CAH.
Using their Community Development Grant, the team will conduct "Integrated Training and Support for Identification and Management of CAH," which includes workshops for healthcare workers and traditional birth attendants (TBAs) to improve CAH recognition and treatment. Additionally, the project will offer educational sessions for caregivers, create support groups, and conduct pre- and post-training assessments to measure impact.
Key objectives include improving healthcare provider competency in CAH diagnosis, increasing public awareness, fostering caregiver support networks, and ultimately reducing preventable mortality associated with the condition. Through collaboration with stakeholders, the initiative seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system for CAH patients and promote sustainable solutions for better long-term care.
Dr. Elizabeth Oyenusi, a leading pediatric endocrinologist and key member of SPAEN, spearheaded Nigeria’s first CAH Community Development Program in 2024. This initiative aims to bridge the knowledge gap among healthcare providers, parents, and caregivers regarding the identification and management of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH). Through integrated training sessions, doctors, nurses, and traditional birth attendants receive specialized education on early diagnosis and treatment protocols, ensuring improved health outcomes.
Beyond medical training, the program fosters a supportive community for families affected by CAH. Parents engage in guided discussions, sharing experiences and learning from experts, while children participate in interactive learning activities designed to enhance their understanding of the condition. The initiative also emphasizes advocacy, patient rights, and long-term policy changes to improve healthcare access. By uniting key stakeholders, this landmark event strengthens Nigeria’s CAH community, paving the way for sustainable improvements in awareness, diagnosis, and care.