A public health advocacy group, the Ebonyi Dementia Support Group (EDSG) has launched programmes aimed at creating awareness and support for caregivers and people living with dementia in the Ebonyi State.
The group which held its inaugural public engagement meeting on January 31, 2026 said that its objectives were specifically targeted at creating the needed support and awareness as well as to create a conducive environment that can protect the quality of life of people affected by dementia.
Speaking to journalists in Abakaliki, the conveners of the group, Mrs. Ogeri Rosemary Idika, and Ms. Cecilia Njideka Akuchi in separate interviews noted that dementia is a condition that most people may be predisposed to, in-spite of status, education or social standing.
According to Mrs. Idika, the EDSG is focused on providing “emotional and practical support to people living with dementia and caregivers, Creating a safe space for open discussions about living with dementia and providing the needed support to caregivers as they deal with the challenges of care-giving to family members or friends living with dementia.”
Also, Ms Akuchi further explained that the group is determined to “create dementia awareness and promote stigma reduction, lead advocacy for improved dementia care and policies, facilitate financial aid, legal aid and other supportive services as well as supporting and participating in research aimed at deepening dementia knowledge.”
Mrs. Idika explained that the group has already attracted attention of the Sub- Saharan Africa Brain Health Initiative (SSABHI), and David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences Uburu( DUFUHS), through the sensitize, Educate and Evaluate Dementia (SEED).
She noted that SEED has already indicated interest in supporting the group through knowledge sharing.
EDSG membership cuts across varied fields and endeavours including people living with dementia, caregivers, healthcare professionals, media practitioners and other volunteers.