Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Alick Ponje
Published on 2024-03-20 07:55:30
A recent study published by The Lancet Neurology, a respected scientific journal, has revealed that in 2021, over three billion individuals worldwide were living with a neurological condition. The analysis of the Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factor Study 2021 data was supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO has stated that neurological conditions have now become the leading cause of illness and disability on a global scale.
According to the WHO, the overall burden of disability, illness, and premature death, known as disability-adjusted life years, caused by neurological conditions has increased by 18 percent since 1990. Shockingly, over 80 percent of neurological deaths and health loss occur in low- and middle-income countries. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus emphasized the significant toll that neurological conditions take on individuals, families, communities, and economies. He called for urgent action to increase targeted interventions to ensure that the growing number of individuals living with neurological conditions have access to quality care, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Ghebreyesus stressed the importance of understanding, valuing, and protecting brain health from early childhood through later life. The top ten neurological conditions contributing to the loss of health in 2021 were identified as stroke, neonatal encephalopathy, migraine, dementia, diabetic neuropathy, meningitis, epilepsy, neurological complications from preterm birth, autism spectrum disorder, and nervous system cancers. Overall, neurological conditions were found to cause more disability and health loss in men compared to women.
The WHO highlighted the significant increase in cases of diabetic neuropathy globally, with the number rising to 206 million in 2021, more than triple the amount in 1990. This increase is attributed to the rising prevalence of diabetes worldwide. The agency also noted the emergence of new conditions such as neurological complications from Covid-19, which now account for over 23 million cases.
The study also revealed that neurological conditions are prevalent in Malawi, with researchers identifying a diverse range of neurological illnesses primarily linked to HIV and neuro-infections in the country. Recent observations by experts have shown that while most Covid patients exhibit symptoms of cough and breathing difficulties, there has been an increase in cases of neurological diseases as well.
In conclusion, the study underscores the urgent need for increased awareness, research, and resources to address the growing global burden of neurological conditions. It is crucial to prioritize brain health, improve access to quality care, and develop targeted interventions to support individuals living with neurological conditions worldwide. By taking action now, we can make significant strides in improving the lives of those affected by these debilitating conditions.
Read the original article on The Times
