The Nigerian Society of Neurological Sciences has urged the Federal Government to show finanicial commitment towards reducing neurological illnesses in the country.
According to a communique issued on Monday, the call was made during the 56th Annual Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Society of Neurological Sciences in Abuja.
Speaking at the conference, a neurologist, Mustapha Danesi, said the provision of healthcare in Nigeria was negatively impacted by inadequate finance and insufficient recognition of neuroscience by the government.
He noted that the stigma around neuro-disabilities prevented afflicted people from receiving appropriate medical care, particularly for mental health and epilepsy.
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 allocating 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.”
