At pioneer African Brain Summit in Yaounde: Prime Minister reiterates importance of investing in mental health.

This was at the opening ceremony of the first-ever high-level African scientific summit on brain economy, brain health, and brain capital. It was organised by the Brain Research Africa Initiative, BRAIN, at the Yaounde Conference Centre from August 20 to 24.

The event, held under the patronage of the President of the Republic, was chaired by the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Joseph Dion Ngute. It brought together scientists, clinicians, policymakers, and entrepreneurs from across the continent and beyond.

At the official launch of the summit on August 22, Prime Minister Dion Ngute pointed out that it was a significant turning point for understanding and managing the brain, especially in Africa. 

Ngute expressed satisfaction with Cameroon’s selection as host and emphasised the importance of harnessing the brain’s potential to address global challenges.

“The Brain Summit is a historic and important event for the entire international community, because our understanding of the world depends on the brain,” he stated. 

According to him, the summit was an opportunity to mobilise thousands of brains from around the world in solidarity because millions of brains will be needed to solve the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

“Our ability to harness this potential will define our success in tackling the multifaceted and complex challenges of today’s world, in ever-evolving national, regional, and global environments,” the Prime Minister underscored. 

For this reason, the Head of Government stressed on the need to take care of the brain, which is also very fragile.

“The brain economy, brain health and brain capital are not just scientific concepts, but the foundations on which we must build a sustainable and prosperous environment for all,” the Prime Minister opined.

This was collaborated by the Cameroonian Professor of Neurology, Clinical Neurophysiology and Neuroscience, Prof Alfred Njamnshi.

According to him, the challenges posed by neurodegenerative diseases, head injuries and other effects of aging continue to grow. 

“It is obvious that the brain must be a priority, because if it doesn’t work, the rest is useless. Brain health is important not just for the economy, but for health and for our future, because everything we do depends on the health of our brain,” Prof Njamnshi stated.

Prioritising mental health an urgent necessity

Clinical Psychologist, Didier Demassosso, who also doubles as country representative for Healthcare Information For All, HIFA Cameroon, said prioritising mental health is an urgent necessity.

According to him, increasing the availability of and access to reliable healthcare information on brain health in Cameroon and Africa in general is critical to ensure informed decision-making by stakeholders.

“For some time now, the issue of brain and mental health especially in Africa has been relegated to the back with little access to information and finance for research on brain policy development. This summit has brought us hope that something is being done. Now we know that the future of mental health in African is bright,” he enthused.

The Yaounde Brain Summit concluded with the drafting of the Yaounde Declaration, a twenty-point advocacy document designed to provide African solutions to challenges related to brain health and the brain economy.

Prof Alfred Njamnshi called on the government to present the Yaounde Declaration, at the 79^th United Nations General Assembly in New York next month.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3212 of Wednesday August 28, 2024