Nigeria Launches National Brain Health Agenda Initiative

On 22 July 2026, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, represented by Permanent Secretary Ms. Daju Kachollom, announced the creation of a Brain Health Desk under the National Mental Health Programme.

This initiative aims to develop Nigeria's first National Brain Health Agenda, focusing on improving prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term care for neurological disorders. Kachollom emphasized the importance of brain health as a critical component of Universal Health Coverage, advocating for accessible services for all Nigerians.

She highlighted the global burden of neurological disorders affecting over 3.4 billion people and noted Nigeria's challenges with conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, and dementia. The Brain Health Desk will facilitate policy development, partnerships, and coordinated service delivery.

The National Brain Health Agenda will align with the WHO Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (IGAP) 2022–2031. Kachollom reaffirmed the government's commitment to enhancing healthcare services and announced that World Brain Day will be included in the national health commemorations calendar.