The Nigerian government has stepped up efforts to reform neurological and mental healthcare, declaring brain health a national and continental priority.
As part of this drive, Nigeria is integrating neurological services into key health programmes, expanding access to care, and strengthening local pharmaceutical production to address the rising burden of brain-related disorders.
This renewed commitment was outlined by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, during the First Africa Neurological Health Summit held in Abuja the nations capital.
Speaking at the event, jointly organized by the Brain and Spine Foundation Africa and the Ministry, Professor Pate said the summit marked a shift from dialogue to decisive action.
Prof. Pate, represented by the National Coordinator, Mental Health, Dr. Tunde Ojo, noted that neurological disorders, including stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and traumatic injuries now rank among the top causes of disability and death globally.
“The burden is particularly severe in low- and middle-income countries, where treatment gaps for conditions like epilepsy exceed 75%”.
Professor Pate highlighted recent government actions, including the integration of mental and neurological services into the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), passage of the National Mental Health Act, and the launch of a national policy for non-communicable diseases.
He also announced tax waivers on essential neuropharmaceutical products to boost local production and affordability.
The Minister stressed that achieving meaningful change requires collaboration, calling on states, academia, civil society, and the private sector to invest, coordinate, and act to ensure no Nigerian or African is left behind in accessing life-saving neurological care.
The Founder and Executive Director of Brain and Spine Foundation Africa, Engr. Chika Okwuolisa recounted the harrowing experience of her sister’s stroke in 2012, which exposed the gaps in Nigeria’s neurological care system.
“That experience birthed Brain and Spine Foundation Africa,” she said, emphasizing the need for urgent reforms, increased awareness, and multi-sectoral collaboration to reduce preventable deaths and disabilities from brain and spinal disorders.
Engr. Okwuolisa lamented the silence, stigma, and financial burden that often lead to needless suffering and death, especially in underserved communities.
“Neurological health is not a luxury, it is foundational,” she stated, adding that the summit marks a critical step toward making brain health central to health policy and public investment in Africa.
Speaking on behalf of the WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, the Team Lead for Communicable and Non-communicable Diseases, Dr. Mya Ngon, emphasized the organization’s dedication to working with the Federal Ministry of Health and key stakeholders to scale up interventions across the country.
Dr. Ngon noted that while Africa has made some progress in tackling neurological disorders, the number of people living with conditions like stroke, epilepsy, and dementia continues to rise.
She stressed the need for improved access to quality care, treatment, and rehabilitation services, particularly in low-resource settings.
“Let us take this summit as an opportunity to move from discussion to action,” she urged.
“As part of WHO broader commitment, we are looking forward to implementing jointly developed recommendations that emerge from the summit”. She added.
Dr. Ngon called for strong collaboration to ensure that interventions are people-centered and sustainable. “We are fully committed to seeing this agenda succeed”. She added.
Giving his special remarks, the Patron of Brain and Spine Foundation Africa and President of the Nigeria Academy of Medicine, Prof. Samuel Ohaebulam, raised alarm over the severe shortage of specialized personnel and infrastructure in neurological care across Nigeria.
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He noted that intensive care units, trained nurses, and medical specialists in this field remain critically limited.
Prof. Ohaebulam emphasized the urgent need to strengthen medical education and retain trained professionals, lamenting the growing trend of brain drain.
“After we invest in training, our specialists leave to find jobs abroad. It’s very sad,” he said, calling for concrete measures to stop the exodus and build a stronger health workforce locally.
He also challenged African leaders to recognize the continent’s vast potential and reduce dependence on foreign aid.
“Africa is the most blessed continent, yet we keep begging for help,” he stated, urging stakeholders to wake up and take charge of the region’s neurological health agenda.
Stakeholders, including policymakers, medical professionals, and international partners, were urged to work together to bridge the gap in neurological care through inclusive policies, funding, and healthcare system reform.