Stakeholders in Nigeria’s health sector have called for stronger investment in brain health, improved access to neurological care and closer collaboration to tackle the growing burden of brain disorders as the country officially commemorated World Brain Day for the first time.Organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja on Wednesday, the event, themed “Brain Health: Access for All,” marked the first official World Brain Day commemoration by the ministry in Nigeria.
Persecondnews correspondent reports that the event brought together government officials, neurologists, mental health experts, development partners, researchers, civil society organisations and healthcare professionals to advance discussions on improving brain health services across Nigeria.
Welcoming participants, the National Coordinator of the National Mental Health Programme, Dr. Tunde Ojo, described the event as a landmark in Nigeria’s health sector.
He said the event demonstrates the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s commitment to prioritising brain health and strengthening collaboration with stakeholders to improve neurological care across the country.
“For us as a country, this is a historic moment. Today, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is commemorating World Brain Day for the very first time, which shows strong leadership and commitment to advancing brain health in Nigeria,” he said.
Ojo expressed optimism that the maiden commemoration would usher in greater collaboration among stakeholders and accelerate efforts to improve neurological care across the country.
“This is only the beginning. The ministry’s commitment to brain health, working closely with stakeholders, will open the door to many positive developments for Nigerians.”
Also speaking, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Charles Nzelu, said this year’s theme reinforces the need to ensure quality brain health services are available to every Nigerian, irrespective of age, gender or location.
“Brain Health: Access for All reminds us that every individual, regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status or geographical location, deserves equitable access to quality brain health services.”
Nzelu said neurological disorders remain a major public health challenge globally and in Nigeria, urging stakeholders to strengthen research, innovation, workforce development and partnerships to improve prevention and access to treatment.
He said: “Today’s event is not only about raising awareness but also about strengthening partnerships and driving practical solutions to the growing burden of neurological disorders in Nigeria through research, innovation and sustained investment.”
Engr. Chika Okwuolisa, Founder of the Brain and Spine Foundation Africa, described the official commemoration as a defining moment for brain health advocacy in Nigeria.Sharing how his younger sister’s life-threatening brain condition inspired him to establish the foundation, Okwuolisa said the experience exposed her to the realities faced by families living with neurological disorders.”Today is historic. For the first time in Nigeria’s history, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is officially commemorating World Brain Day. This is a bold national statement that brain health matters and that the lives of millions of Nigerians living with these conditions matter.”
She said behind every neurological diagnosis is a family struggling with emotional, social and financial challenges, stressing that access to quality care must become a national priority.
“The brain is the command centre of human life. When we protect the brain, we protect our families, our economy, our productivity and our nation’s future.
“Let this commemoration become the beginning of stronger policies, greater investment, wider collaboration and renewed commitment to quality neurological care,” she added.
Representing the Nigerian Society of Neurological Sciences, Prof. Gerald Obibuezie, lauded the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for recognising brain health as a critical component of universal health coverage.
“We commend the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for recognising brain health as a critical component of universal health coverage and for advancing policies aimed at reducing the burden of neurological disorders in Nigeria.”
He reaffirmed the society’s commitment to supporting government efforts through research, advocacy, capacity building and evidence-based policies.
“As neurological disorders continue to pose a significant public health challenge, we must strengthen prevention, early diagnosis, equitable access to quality care, research and public awareness to improve brain health for every Nigerian.”
Dr Issa Baba Awoye, speaking on behalf of the President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), Dr. Veronica Oluyemisi Nyamal, reaffirmed the commitment of specialist mental health institutions to supporting efforts aimed at expanding access to quality neurological and mental healthcare services.
“We are pleased to partner with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of age or social status, have access to quality mental and neurological health services.”
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