Abuja: The Aisha Adamu Fari Foundation has stressed the urgent need for enhanced investment in public awareness campaigns focused on the early detection and treatment of Cushing’s Syndrome. This appeal aims to better control the condition, which is often underdiagnosed due to limited public and medical awareness.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Foundation’s CEO, Ms. Aisha Fari, highlighted these concerns during the inaugural ‘Walk Against Cushing’s Syndrome’ event in Abuja. The event was organized with the support of ASPI, ABVIG, and other partners. Ms. Fari, who herself is a public health expert and a survivor of Cushing’s Syndrome, urged the Federal Government to prioritize research into the diagnosis of rare diseases like Cushing’s Syndrome to foster a deeper understanding.
Ms. Fari explained that Cushing’s Syndrome is a hormonal disorder resulting from prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels, which can occur due to medication, tumors, or chronic emotional stress. She noted that public awareness is minimal, making early detection and prevention crucial across the nation.
She remarked, “Poor awareness makes diagnosis difficult, as advocacy is limited and even doctors frequently misdiagnose the condition.” Emphasizing the need for support for individuals with Cushing’s Syndrome and other rare diseases, she stated, “People are suffering in silence. We need government backing in research and treatment.”
Recounting her personal experience, Ms. Fari shared how a misdiagnosis led to life-threatening symptoms and emotional challenges in managing the condition. She described symptoms such as high blood pressure, dizziness, and weakness, and noted that loud sounds triggered anxiety, impacting her mental wellbeing.
In a separate interview, Ms. Fari’s mother, Mrs. Safiya Koko, discussed the financial challenges the family faced while seeking treatment. She revealed that the family had to rely on online research to understand Cushing’s Syndrome, as many doctors were unfamiliar with it, until they consulted an endocrinologist who provided clarity.
Mrs. Koko appealed to the government to increase awareness of this rare disease, stating, “We need government support to ensure this disease becomes well-known, not only in Nigeria but internationally.”