NAI CEO Mags Rogers will be speaking about EU Neurological Strategy at the upcoming European Federation Of Neurological Associations (EFNA) conference, which takes place in Dublin on September 25th and 26th.
Neurological conditions are among the leading causes of disability and premature death across the EU, and that burden is set to grow as Europe's population ages. Around 860,000 people in Ireland live with a neurological condition, part of a wider European burden estimated to cost more than €300 billion a year.
With Ireland currently holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, we have a timely opportunity to push for stronger European leadership on neurological health particularly as the European Parliament's SANT committee is now developing its own report on a neurological health strategy.
On World Brain Day, July 22nd, NAI joined partner organisations in launching the Joint Declaration on Advancing Neurological Health, along with Irish MEPs Billy Kelleher and Nina Carberry. The declaration calls on Ireland to champion a comprehensive EU Neurological Health Strategy, encourage discussion among Member States, and work with the European Parliament and Commission to drive coordinated EU-wide action on neurological health.
The full list of supporting organisations will be showcased throughout Ireland's EU Presidency, demonstrating the depth and breadth of support, from Ireland and across Europe , for making neurological health a strategic policy priority.
For 25 years, EFNA has championed the rights and needs of people living with neurological disorders across Europe. As the burden of neurological conditions continues to rise, there is an urgent need for collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking approaches to policy, care, and research.
The title of their inaugural conference is 'Neurology & Society,' and themes will explore the impacts of neurological conditions through the life-course. This landmark event will serve as a platform to bring together neurology patients, patient organisations, policymakers, clinicians, researchers and industry representatives to co-create a more inclusive and impactful neurology landscape in Europe.