Mostert Cyprian M, Udeh-Momoh Chinedu, Kumar Manasi, Khan Murad, Ali Shehzad, Muchungi Kendi, Chemutai Gloria, Smith Cynthia, Trepel Dominic, Eyre Harris, Atwoli Lukoye, Merali Zul
Brain and Mind Institute, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya.
Department of Population Health, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya.
Alzheimers Dement. 2025 Feb;21(2):e70006. doi: 10.1002/alz.70006.
In 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued the Intersectoral Global Action Plan for Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders for 2022 to 2031, emphasizing important connections between brain health, population well-being, and economic growth. A year later, the WHO followed up with strategic guidelines aimed at enhancing brain health outcomes in developing countries. However, critical gaps remain. Our policy forum paper advocates for policies that target brain health across all stages of life, starting with measures to reduce the consumption of alcohol, sugar, and tobacco. Additionally, we propose the integration of school meal programs and social pension schemes as essential lifespan policies to safeguard brain health. To support these policies, developing countries must implement key macroeconomic reforms. These include revising international trade agreements, strengthening tax systems, curbing illicit financial flows, eliminating financial exclusions, and expanding social welfare systems. Such reforms are critical for creating an environment that supports long-term brain health initiatives. HIGHLIGHTS: The are critical gaps in the WHO policy framework for brain health. We advocate policies that target brain health across all stages of life, starting with measures to reduce alcohol, sugar, and tobacco consumption. Additionally, we propose integrating school meal programs and social pension schemes as essential lifespan policies to safeguard brain health. To support these policies, developing countries must implement key macroeconomic reforms. By adopting these measures, developing countries can lead the charge in advancing the 21st-century brain health agenda, fostering both societal well-being and sustainable economic development.
2022年，世界卫生组织（WHO）发布了《2022 - 2031年癫痫和其他神经疾病跨部门全球行动计划》，强调了脑健康、人口福祉和经济增长之间的重要联系。一年后，WHO又发布了旨在改善发展中国家脑健康成果的战略指南。然而，关键差距依然存在。我们的政策论坛文件倡导制定针对生命各阶段脑健康的政策，首先是采取措施减少酒精、糖和烟草的消费。此外，我们建议将学校供餐计划和社会养老金计划纳入基本的终身政策，以保障脑健康。为支持这些政策，发展中国家必须实施关键的宏观经济改革。这些改革包括修订国际贸易协定、加强税收制度、遏制非法资金流动、消除金融排斥以及扩大社会福利体系。此类改革对于营造支持长期脑健康倡议的环境至关重要。要点：WHO脑健康政策框架存在关键差距。我们倡导制定针对生命各阶段脑健康的政策，首先是采取措施减少酒精、糖和烟草的消费。此外，我们建议将学校供餐计划和社会养老金计划纳入基本的终身政策，以保障脑健康。为支持这些政策，发展中国家必须实施关键的宏观经济改革。通过采取这些措施，发展中国家能够在推进21世纪脑健康议程方面发挥带头作用，促进社会福祉和可持续经济发展。
