World Health Organisation presents international blueprint which it hopes will impact on the lives of people with neurological disorders.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for urgent action from governments and healthcare organisations around the world to help address and better manage neurological conditions.
The WHO has announced its new Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP), described as a critical blueprint for combating neurological conditions.IGAP outlines goals to help governments and national healthcare organisations direct research and investment in areas with the greatest possible impact on global health.
Its five strategic objectives are:
1. Raise policy prioritisation and strengthen governance
2. Provide effective, timely and responsive diagnosis, treatment and care
3. Implement strategies for promotion and prevention
4. Foster research and innovation and strengthen information systems
5. Strengthen the public health approach to epilepsy
Dr. Tarun Dua, head of the brain health unit at the WHO, who presented the new IGAP at the 26th World Congress of Neurology, said: “The Intersectoral Global Action Plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders is a roadmap that outlines how we can promote brain health, prevent neurological disorders and ensure appropriate diagnosis, treatment and care for people living with these conditions.”
The WHO aims to work with member states to provide resources and tools to support advocates, policymakers, researchers and health care providers in taking the necessary steps to achieve the plan’s global strategic objectives.
“We are really shifting gears from thinking only about the clinical aspects of neurology to the public health aspects of neurology,” said Dua. “This action plan provides a platform to think about that shift.”
The action plan also defines multiple global targets for each of its five strategic objectives. These targets are benchmarks for measuring the success of each objective by 2031.
All member countries have awareness raising or advocacy campaigns for neurological disorders by 2031 among their goals, while 75 per cent of countries have updated policies, strategies or plans to include neurological disorders in health policy by 2031.
Addressing the growing global burden of neurological diseases
This global initiative represents a landmark coordinated effort to tackle the challenges posed by neurological disorders.
This is the first time such a comprehensive plan on neurological conditions has been developed within the World Health Assembly.
“Neurological conditions are the largest cause of disability-adjusted life years and the second-largest cause of death worldwide. They are associated with high treatment gaps, sometimes exceeding 75 per cent in low and middle-income countries,” said Dua. “This necessitates a mandate like IGAP, an opportunity for the global community to unite and combat the burden of these conditions.”
Low-income countries currently have an average of 1 neurologist per million people compared to 71 per million in high-income countries.
IGAP seeks to address the disparities in diagnosis and care experienced by individuals in low and middle-income countries by expanding training and resources for non-specialist care in regions where neurologists are in short supply.
“There is a lack of neurologists in many parts of the world, particularly in low and middle-income countries,” said Dua. “It is crucial that we involve general practitioners, nurses and other health care professionals in the care of neurological conditions.”
See more on the action plan at wcn-neurology.com.
