Stakeholders Urge Increased Funding and National Policy for Dementia Care in Nigeria
Stakeholders in the healthcare sector have issued a strong call to the Federal Government of Nigeria, urging for increased funding and the establishment of a comprehensive national policy dedicated to dementia care. This appeal aims to address the escalating burden of neurological disorders among the country's ageing population, highlighting a critical gap in current healthcare priorities.
Urgent Need for Structured Care and Research
At a one-day interactive workshop titled "Advancing Brain Health through Partnership: An Interactive Session to Identify Joint Research, Training and Advocacy Priorities," organized by the International Dementia Academy Africa in collaboration with the College of Medicine at the University of Ibadan, experts emphasized the necessity for structured care pathways, robust research initiatives, and accessible healthcare services for older adults. The event served as a platform to discuss collaborative strategies to enhance brain health across Nigeria and beyond.
Government Neglect of Older Adults' Health
Dr. Temitope Farombi, founder of the Brain Health Initiative Nigeria and the Brain Centre Neurocritical and Rehabilitation Centre, criticized the government for insufficient efforts in addressing brain health, particularly for individuals aged 60 and above. He pointed out that healthcare budgets predominantly focus on maternal and child health, often overlooking the needs of older adults who are increasingly susceptible to neurological conditions. "Expanding health insurance coverage to include informal sector workers is essential to ensure equitable access to care," Farombi stated, underscoring the importance of inclusive healthcare policies.
Regional Collaboration and Research Priorities
Prof. Agustin Ibanez, Director of Dementia Research at the Latin America Consortium in Chile, advocated for enhanced regional research collaboration. He stressed the importance of identifying region-specific factors contributing to dementia and leveraging these insights to enrich global scientific knowledge. "Integrating studies across Africa, Latin America, and Asia offers unparalleled potential for discovery," Ibanez remarked, highlighting the benefits of cross-continental partnerships in advancing dementia research.
Knowledge Transfer and Training Initiatives
Prof. Jesse Otegbayo, Chief Medical Director of University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, emphasized the value of collaborative research and training in combating dementia. He noted that through partnerships with global experts, young healthcare professionals in Nigeria are gaining firsthand exposure to best practices in dementia care. "This knowledge transfer is vital to expanding expertise across Africa," Otegbayo explained, reinforcing the role of international cooperation in building local capacity.
Role of Technology in Brain Health Management
Prof. Rufus Akinyemi, a Professor of Geriatric Neurology at UCH Ibadan, discussed the potential of digital health and artificial intelligence (AI) in managing brain health. While cautioning against overreliance on technology, he highlighted how properly utilized digital tools can enhance learning, accelerate research, and improve brain health screening processes. "Properly harnessed digital tools can significantly advance our approach to dementia care," Akinyemi noted, pointing to the transformative impact of technology in healthcare.
Preventive Measures and Awareness Campaigns
Prof. Iracema Leroi, Director of the Global Brain Health Institute at Trinity College Dublin, emphasized that a significant portion of dementia cases are preventable. She identified lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, blood pressure control, and cognitive stimulation as key elements in reducing dementia risk. "Prevention begins with awareness and personal responsibility, but access to diagnosis and care must also improve," Leroi added, calling for a dual focus on prevention and treatment.
Calls for Culturally Responsive Care and Investment
Other experts, including Laz Eze, D. Khanyo, and Kwaku Mamu, joined the chorus in advocating for culturally responsive care models tailored to Nigeria's diverse population. They urged increased government investment to mitigate the growing impact of dementia, stressing that without adequate funding and policy support, the healthcare system will struggle to meet the needs of affected individuals and their families.
