On July 22, 2024, stakeholders gathered in Abuja for the commemoration of World Brain Day, urging the Federal Government to focus on brain health through preventive measures and the establishment of dedicated curative centers across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
This year’s theme, “Brain Health and Prevention: Protecting Your Future,” highlights the critical need for enhanced awareness and proactive healthcare strategies to combat neurological disorders.
World Brain Day, an initiative of the World Federation of Neurology (WFN), aims to raise awareness about neurological disorders, which significantly contribute to disability-adjusted life years worldwide.
Neurological conditions such as stroke, dementia, epilepsy, and head injuries are major health concerns, yet a substantial proportion of these cases are preventable. For instance, 90% of strokes, 75% of head injuries, 40% of dementia cases, and 30% of epilepsies can be prevented with effective measures.
However, Nigeria faces significant challenges in addressing these issues. Stakeholders at the event highlighted the poor access to neurological care and the severe shortage of medical specialists, exacerbated by the mass migration of healthcare workers. They emphasized that without deliberate and sustained efforts, brain health issues could severely impact the nation’s future.
Dr. Ukmawa Iboro, representing the chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), stressed the financial burden of brain healthcare and the need for preventive measures. Iboro pointed out that while diagnostic capabilities have improved significantly since the 1980s, the high cost of care remains a barrier for many Nigerians. He called for government intervention through social insurance to make diagnostic and treatment services more affordable.
Major Gen. Anthony Ajemba (rtd), a consultant physician and cardiologist with the Defense Medical Centre in Abuja, echoed the importance of preventive measures and the establishment of neurological centres distinct from neuropsychiatric facilities. These centres are essential for addressing a wide range of illnesses and traumatic injuries.
Engr. Chika Okwuolisa, founder of Brain and Spine Foundation Africa, highlighted the importance of raising awareness about brain health and breaking the stigma associated with neurological conditions. She emphasized the need for open discussions about brain health to encourage those affected to seek help. “The brain is the control centre of our body,” Okwuolisa stated, “and we must bring brain health to the forefront of our healthcare agenda.”
Globally, the availability of neurologists is starkly uneven, with low-income countries like Nigeria having as few as 0.1 neurologists per 100,000 people, compared to 7.1 per 100,000 in high-income countries. This disparity underscores the urgent need for improved brain health infrastructure and specialist training in Nigeria.
As stakeholders continue to advocate for better brain health services, it is important for individuals to take personal responsibility for their mental well-being. Preventive measures, awareness, and early intervention can significantly reduce the burden of neurological disorders. The call to action on World Brain Day serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting brain health to secure a healthier future for all Nigerians.
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