The Federal Government has announced plans to establish a Brain Health Desk under the National Mental Health Programme and commence the development of Nigeria’s first National Brain Health Agenda as part of efforts to strengthen the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and long-term management of neurological disorders across the country.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ms. Daju Kachollom, made the announcement on Wednesday in Abuja during the commemoration of World Brain Day 2026, themed “Brain Health: Access for All.”
Kachollom described brain health as a critical component of Universal Health Coverage, stressing that quality brain health services should be accessible to all Nigerians regardless of age, gender, income or geographical location.
She noted that neurological disorders now affect more than 3.4 billion people globally and remain the leading cause of disability worldwide. According to her, Nigeria continues to grapple with a growing burden of conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injuries and neurodevelopmental disorders, many of which are compounded by mental health conditions including depression and anxiety.
She explained that the proposed Brain Health Desk would provide national leadership and coordination on brain health by driving policy development, research, advocacy, partnerships, capacity building, surveillance and coordinated service delivery in collaboration with government institutions, teaching hospitals, professional bodies, academia, development partners, civil society organisations and the private sector.
The Permanent Secretary also disclosed that the National Brain Health Agenda would provide a strategic framework for improving governance, expanding access to neurological services, strengthening workforce capacity, promoting research and innovation, and fostering multisectoral collaboration. She said the initiative would align with the World Health Organization’s Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (IGAP) 2022–2031 while addressing Nigeria’s specific health priorities.
Reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, Kachollom said the administration remains focused on strengthening primary healthcare, expanding access to quality healthcare services, improving the health workforce and advancing mental health services nationwide.
She further announced that World Brain Day would henceforth be included in the Ministry’s annual national health commemorations calendar to sustain awareness, advocacy and public engagement on brain health.
Calling for collective action, Kachollom urged professional associations, academic institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, the private sector, traditional and religious leaders, the media and all Nigerians to support efforts aimed at reducing stigma, promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging early diagnosis and expanding access to rehabilitation services, essential medicines and assistive technologies for people living with neurological disorders.
She emphasised that investing in brain health is both a health and economic necessity, saying it enhances productivity, drives innovation and contributes to sustainable national development.
Earlier, the Director of the Public Health Department, Dr. Charles Nzelu, described the event as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to promote brain health, stressing that every Nigerian deserves equitable access to quality brain health services.
He said neurological disorders, particularly stroke, have become one of the country’s major public health challenges and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian attains the highest possible standard of brain health.
The National Coordinator of the National Mental Health Programme, Dr. Tunde Masseyferguson Ojo, welcomed participants and commended the Ministry’s leadership for prioritising mental and brain health.
Also speaking, the Founder of Brain and Spine Foundation Africa, Engineer Chika Okwuolisa, described the official commemoration of World Brain Day 2026 as a historic milestone, noting that it was the first time Nigeria had formally observed the global event at the national level.
She commended the Ministry for aligning with the World Health Organization’s action plan on neurological disorders and called for sustained action through stronger policies, increased investment, broader partnerships and improved access to quality neurological care to safeguard Nigeria’s productivity and future.
