‘Serious focus needed to fight growing mental diseases’

Noted neuro physician of the country Dr Fowzia Siddiqui of Aga Khan University Hospital, who is also President of Epilepsy Foundation Pakistan, has stressed the need for a serious focus of government and society to fight growing cases of mental illness in the country.

On the occasion of July 22 World Brain Day of the World Federation of Neurology, she said that the human brain is very complex and so are brain diseases. She said there is a greater need to spread awareness about brain diseases so that their timely diagnosis and treatment can be ensured.

She said even a minor problem in the brain could affect the whole body. A tiny clot in the brain could result in paralysis of the whole body. She said that there are different symptoms of different brain diseases and people should immediately consult a trained neurologist or psychiatrist in case of any complaint.

She asked the government and all stakeholders to raise awareness about brain diseases to foster a healthy society in Pakistan. It may be noted that the World Federation of Neurology annually celebrates World Brain Day on July 22, to raise awareness of neurological disorders and promote brain health worldwide.

Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 shows that not only are neurological conditions the main cause of disability worldwide, surpassing previous estimates, but also that a new and expanded spectrum of neurological conditions is involved. This discovery necessitates a comprehensive approach to brain health, with prevention as a key strategy to mitigate the impact of these neurological conditions.

The World Brain Day 2024 focus is brain health and prevention, aligning with WHO brain health initiatives and the Inter-sectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (IGAP).