The Federal Government has established a Brain Health Desk within the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare as part of efforts to prioritise neurological care and improve access to brain health services across Nigeria.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during Nigeria’s first official commemoration of World Brain Day, an event described by health advocates as a landmark development for neurological health in the country.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs Kachollom S. Daju, mni, said the establishment of the desk would strengthen coordination, advocacy, policy development and collaboration in the area of brain health.
According to the Brain & Spine Foundation Africa (BSFA), which has championed brain health awareness and advocacy for nearly a decade, the development marked a significant turning point for neurological care in Nigeria.
The Founder and Executive Director of BSFA, Engr. Chika Okwuolisa, described the development as a landmark in the history of neurological health in the country.
“Today will forever be remembered as a landmark day in the history of neurological health in Nigeria,” Okwuolisa said.
She said the official commemoration of World Brain Day by the Federal Ministry of Health sent a strong message that brain health had become a national priority.
Okwuolisa commended Daju for her visionary leadership and support, while also acknowledging the contributions of the Director of Public Health, Dr Charles Nzelu, and the National Programme Coordinator for Mental Health, Dr Ojo, towards making the commemoration possible.
She further appreciated partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Federation of Neurology (WFN), the Nigerian Academy of Neurological Surgeons (NANS) and the Nigerian Society of Neurological Sciences (NSNS), as well as volunteers and healthcare professionals.
Okwuolisa said BSFA had, for nearly a decade, championed brain health awareness, advocated for patients living with neurological disorders and worked to ensure that neurological health received greater attention in Nigeria.
She described the establishment of the Brain Health Desk as “a dream becoming reality” and said the initiative marked the beginning of a new chapter for brain health in the country.
She pledged that the foundation would continue to advocate for stronger policies, improved health systems, greater public awareness and equitable access to neurological care.
The 2026 World Brain Day theme is “Brain Health: Access for All.”
The Federal Ministry of Health said the new Brain Health Desk would serve as the focal point for brain health programmes, data collation and partnerships with professional bodies and civil society organisations.
Leave a comment