The Path to Healing: Dr. Ayodele Faleye’s Mission in Pediatric Rheumatology
Few stories resonate as powerfully as that of Dr. Ayodele Faleye’s quest to illuminate the path to healing for children living or diagnosed with rheumatic diseases. In a landscape where the illnesses are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed, she has emerged as a guiding light, a beacon of hope whose impact transcends mere diagnosis and treatment.
In the tapestry of pediatric healthcare across Nigeria, few threads shine as vibrantly as the work of Dr. Ayodele Faleye. As a pioneering force in pediatric rheumatology, she has dedicated herself to a mission that transcends diagnosis and treatment, weaving a narrative of hope, resilience, and transformative impact on young lives.
It was a calling ignited by the guidance of esteemed colleagues and an unwavering passion for patients grappling with rheumatic diseases. Too often, Dr. Faleye witnessed children suffering, their voices unheard, their struggles misunderstood or misdiagnosed as malaria, sepsis, or even spiritual afflictions. Determined to forge a new path, she embarked on a journey to revolutionize pediatric rheumatology care in Nigeria.
“My presence has increased awareness of pediatric rheumatic diseases among healthcare professionals, reducing diagnostic dilemmas and ensuring timely interventions,” Dr. Faleye shares.
One poignant case that underscores the significance of her work is that of a 13-year-old girl with sickle cell anemia, whose recurrent anemia and numerous blood transfusions initially baffled specialists. It was Dr. Faleye’s expertise that unveiled the true culprit – juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) – an entirely new experience for the medical team involved.
“She was first managed for hyperhaemolytic crisis, later autoimmune haemolytic anaemia before the rheumatology unit was invited. She was diagnosed with JSLE after our review and laboratory investigations. This was an entirely new experience for me and other specialists that were involved in her care,” Dr. Faleye explains.
The many triumphs aside, the road to healing for her patients is often paved with challenges. Late presentations, financial constraints, and the unavailability of essential medications often impede progress. But, Dr. Faleye remains undeterred as she seizes every opportunity to raise awareness, dispelling myths and misconceptions that have long shrouded pediatric rheumatic diseases in Nigeria.
“One of the myths is that children do not have chronic arthritis; it’s been perceived as a disease of adults, especially elderly women,” she explains. Through education and counseling, she debunks these fallacies, empowering families to embrace hope and adhere to treatment regimens.
For Dr. Faleye, caring for children with rheumatic diseases extends far beyond medical intervention. It is a holistic approach that considers their physical, emotional, and social well-being. “Caring for these children requires a multidisciplinary team,” she emphasizes, “involving psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, pain therapists, social workers, and support groups to ensure their overall well-being.”
One heartwarming story encapsulates the transformative power of Dr. Faleye’s work. She recalls a 14-year-old girl, referred with a history of recurrent seizures and arthritis, whose journey seemed hopeless. Diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, she embarked on a path of healing.
“After history, examination, and investigations, she was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, she improved greatly on medications. Now 19, she gained admission into a higher institution and transitioned to the adult clinic. She’s now a happy young lady.”
For parents, guardians, and caregivers embarking on the journey of supporting a child with rheumatic diseases, Dr. Faleye’s guidance is invaluable.
“First is to counsel them about the specific disease, the aetiology, investigations, and management,” she explains. “To tell them about the disease course, meaning of flares and complications.” With compassion, she educates families on the intricacies of their child’s condition, from the root causes to the necessary tests and treatments.
Moreover, Dr. Faleye stresses the importance of the education on side effects of their medications and the need for regular clinical follow-up. “There’s hope for these children if they adhere to their medications and attend follow-up clinics regularly.”
Amidst the challenges, Nigeria has witnessed remarkable advancements in pediatric rheumatology care, heralding newfound hope for countless young lives. This is through the establishment of a pediatric rheumatology clinic in Lagos, with the presence of a dedicated pediatric rheumatologist.
“The rheumatologist has increased the suspicion of PRDs [Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases] among healthcare workers and also reduced morbidity and mortality rate compared to the past.”
Furthermore, she highlights another significant breakthrough: “Availability of serology investigations and medications, especially biologics, though at a very high cost, is one of the significant improvements that have directly benefitted children with PRDs in Nigeria.”
When it comes to dietary guidance for her young patients, Dr. Faleye’s approach is pragmatic yet holistic. “A balanced diet is recommended,” she advises. “High carbohydrate diets, sweets, and saturated fats should be restricted.” She also underscores the benefits of certain foods, noting, “No diet can cause or cure PRDs, but fish can be taken frequently as it contains Omega 3 fatty acids which have an anti-inflammatory effect and it can also prevent cardiac complications.” Through these recommendations, Dr. Faleye aims to support her patients’ overall well-being, complementing their medical care with a mindful, integrative approach to nutrition.
Dr. Faleye’s affiliation with the Paediatric Society of the African League Against Rheumatism (PAFLAR) has been of great benefit. Through this partnership, she has found a platform for advocacy, education, and collaboration, uniting with like-minded professionals across Africa to elevate standards of care for children with rheumatic diseases.
“PAFLAR serves as a beacon of hope, fostering partnerships and initiatives that transcend borders, ensuring no child is left behind,” Dr. Faleye asserts. Together, they champion the cause, igniting hope and transforming lives throughout the continent.
Looking ahead, Dr. Faleye envisions a future where every African child has access to high-quality rheumatology care and treatment, fueled by a robust network of trained pediatric rheumatologists, dedicated centers of excellence, and affordable access to essential diagnostics and medications.
“I believe there is hope for pediatric rheumatology in Africa,” she declares. “With PAFLAR leading the charge, driving awareness, fostering collaboration, and spearheading initiatives, we can overcome barriers, bridge gaps, and pave the way toward a future where no child’s health is compromised by rheumatic diseases.”
In the heart of this visionary lies an unshakable truth – that every child deserves a chance at life, and every diagnosis a ray of hope. Through her steadfast commitment and partnership with PAFLAR, Dr. Ayodele Faleye is leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of pediatric rheumatology care in Africa.
