Stakeholders have urged the Federal Government to prioritise brain health issues through preventive measures and the establishment of curative centres across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
They made the call on Monday in Abuja, during the commemoration of the 2024 World Brain Day, themed “Brain Health and Prevention: Protecting Your Future,” organised by Brain and Spine Foundation Africa.
World Brain Day, observed annually on July 22, aims to promote awareness and education about neurological disorders. According to the World Federation of Neurology (WFN), neurological disorders significantly contribute to disability-adjusted life years, impacting health through conditions such as stroke, dementia, epilepsy, and head injuries. A substantial proportion of these cases can be prevented. Notably, 90 per cent of strokes, 75 per cent of head injuries, 40 per cent of dementia and 30 per cent of epilepsies are preventable with effective measures.
However, stakeholders warned that the current poor access to care for neurological disorders in the country could negatively impact the nation’s future. They stressed that without deliberate and sustained efforts to prevent and mitigate brain health issues, the situation would worsen. They lamented that Nigeria lacked dedicated neurological facilities and trauma centres due to insufficient infrastructure and a shortage of medical specialists, exacerbated by the mass migration of medical workers.
With over 200 neurological disorders affecting people of all ages, including children and the elderly, stakeholders emphasised that individuals must also take responsibility for their mental stability. An ENT specialist representing the chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Ukmawa Iboro highlighted the financial burden of brain health care and stressed the need for preventive measures.
On the brain health diagnostic ecosystem in the country, Iboro said Nigeria has made significant progress compared to the last century. “In the ’80s, there was not even a CT scan. In the ’90s, we had one or two centres that could do CT scans in the country. Now, we have many centres that can perform these tests. The issue is the cost. Can the poor afford it? The diagnostic centres can diagnose many conditions, but the cost is the problem. That’s why the government needs to step in with social insurance,” he said.
A consultant physician and cardiologist with Defense Medical Centre Abuja, Major Gen. Anthony Ajemba (rtd) emphasised the high cost of care and the importance of preventive measures against brain health challenges. Ajemba stressed the need for neurological centres distinct from neuropsychiatric centres to address a wide range of illnesses and traumatic injuries.
The founder of Brain and Spine Foundation Africa, Engr. Chika Okwuolisa highlighted the importance of this year’s theme, stressing the urgent need to raise awareness about preventing mental health challenges. Okwuolisa noted that discussing brain health openly and encouraging those affected to speak out is crucial for prevention. She said, “When it comes to brain issues, there are a lot of stereotypes and stigma. Many people affected by brain conditions don’t feel free to talk about them. We want to break through and bring brain health to the forefront because the brain is the control centre of our body.”
Globally, there are on average only 3.1 neurologists per 100,000 people, with low-income countries like Nigeria having a much smaller share. Low-income countries have as few as 0.1 neurologists per 100,000 people compared to 7.1 per 100,000 people in high-income countries.
