The Federal Government of Nigeria has been asked to contribute funds to the cause of lowering neurological diseases in the nation by the Nigerian Society of Neurological Sciences.

A statement released on Monday stated that the call was made in Abuja during the 56th Annual Scientific Conference of the Nigerian Society of Neurological Sciences.

Mustapha Danesi, a neurologist, stated during the conference that the government’s lack of acknowledgment of neuroscience and insufficient funding had a detrimental effect on healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

He highlighted that individuals with neuro-disabilities were unable to access proper medical care because of the stigma associated with them, especially when it came to mental health and epilepsy.

Danesi called on the government to support advocacy, syndicated multi-sectoral alliances, and education regarding the stigma in the nation surrounding neuro-disabilities.

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 allocate 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.”