Temitope Aina
A Neurologist, Mustapha Danesi has urged the Federal Government to show financial commitment towards reducing neurological illnesses in the country.
He made the call during the 56th Annual Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Society of Neurological Sciences in Abuja.
The expert lamented that the provision of healthcare in Nigeria was negatively impacted by inadequate finance and insufficient recognition of neuroscience by the government.
He that the stigma associated with neuro-disabilities prevents those with the condition from receiving appropriate medical care, particularly for mental health and epilepsy.
Danesi urged the government to promote syndicated multi-sectoral collaborations, advocacy, and education on the stigma associated with neuro-disabilities in the country.
He said, “The poor funding of healthcare has negative impacts on healthcare delivery in Nigeria. The recognition and patronage of neurosciences by Nigerian government officials are inadequate.
“Stigma in neuro-disability is a public health issue that limits the access of affected individuals to quality health care, especially in mental health and epilepsy.
“There is a need for improved funding for health in line with the 2001 Abuja Declaration of Africa’s Heads of Government, which committed the governments to allocate 15 per cent of their budgets to health.
“The government should increase the budgetary allocation for curbing neurological disorders as well as the recognition of neuroscience. There is a need to appropriately implement the Mental Health Law of 2022 and the Mental Disorders Act.
“Syndicated multi-sectoral collaborations, advocacy, and awareness about stigma in neuro-disability should be promoted in Nigeria. There is a need for more work and networking in headache research.”
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