World Brain Day 2024 (WBD 2024) is dedicated to Brain Health and Prevention. The World Federation of Neurology (WFN) proudly leads this initiative in collaboration among all six WFN Regions to advocate for the paramount importance of brain health and preventive measures.
WFN is privileged to have the representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO) Brain Health Unit as Guests of Honour for WBD 2024 as they highlight the implementation of the Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) on epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
World Brain Day 2023 marked an extraordinary milestone in our global campaign, reaching an unprecedented scale and elevating awareness about disabilities across 123 countries. The success of the 10th edition laid a robust foundation for sustained advocacy, with millions from diverse backgrounds actively supporting our cause. Our coalition, a blend of organizations, patient advocates, professional societies, traditional media, and social platforms, has set the stage for a continued commitment to our shared mission.
Looking ahead
We invite you to mark your calendar for World Brain Day 2024 on Monday, July 22, 2024. Join us in our mission to champion quality neurology and promote brain health for all. Together, we possess the power to make a difference, ensuring that no one is left behind.
World Brain Day 2024 focuses on the crucial theme of Brain Health and Prevention. Spearheaded by the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) in collaboration with all six WFN Regions, this initiative advocates for the paramount importance of brain health and preventive measures. The active participation of the World Health Organization (WHO) lends momentum to this year's campaign, shedding light on the Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) with a focus on epilepsy and other neurological disorders.
Neurological disorders remain significant contributors to disability-adjusted life years, impacting global health through conditions such as stroke, migraine, Alzheimer's, meningitis, and epilepsy. Encouragingly, a substantial proportion of these cases can be prevented. Notably, 90% of strokes, 40% of dementia cases, and 30% of epilepsies are preventable, with effective preventive measures available for conditions like migraine, headache disorders, and neurological infections.
Join us on Monday, July 22, as we unite to champion Brain Health and Prevention, empowering individuals, communities, and nations to secure their futures and forge a healthier world for generations to come.
Let's delve into the definition of prevention:
In its operational definition by WHO, prevention encompasses disease prevention and health promotion. Disease prevention involves specific interventions on both population and individual levels, addressing primary and secondary prevention to mitigate the impact of diseases and associated risk factors.
Primary prevention
Primary prevention focuses on averting the onset of diseases, incorporating measures to enhance health by addressing social and economic determinants. It involves providing information on behavioral and medical risks, implementing community-level interventions, offering nutritional and food supplementation, promoting oral and dental hygiene, and delivering clinical preventive services like immunization for children, adults, and the elderly.
Secondary prevention
Secondary prevention emphasizes early detection to enhance positive health outcomes. This includes evidence-based screening programs for disease detection and prevention of congenital malformations, along with administering proven-effective preventive drug therapies in the early stages of a disease.
World Brain Day 2024 serves as a rallying point for global efforts to prioritize and safeguard brain health. By spreading awareness, fostering collaboration, and advocating for preventive measures, we can collectively pave the way for a healthier future for all.
Five Key Messages: Brain Health and Prevention
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Prevention: Neurological disorders are preventable through early detection and effective management. Investing in early detection measures can significantly reduce the burden of these disorders. |
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Awareness: Education on preventive brain health is a global imperative. Spreading awareness about the importance of adopting a proactive approach to brain health is crucial in reducing the incidence of preventable neurological disorders. |
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Access: Socioeconomic status or geographic location should not be barriers to prevention. Ensuring equal access to preventive measures is essential to creating a more inclusive and equitable healthcare landscape. |
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Collaboration: Healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers play pivotal roles in addressing the global neurological crisis. Through collaboration, we can leverage collective expertise and resources to implement effective strategies for prevention and management. |
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Education and Advocacy: Recognizing brain health as a fundamental human right is at the core of our mission. Education and advocacy efforts must be intensified to ensure that every individual has the knowledge and resources to prioritize and maintain their brain health. |
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