KARACHI: Emphasising the need for building better mental health, senior neurologists shared that diabetes and high blood pressure (BP) were the key drivers of rising stroke casesinPakistan.

They were speaking at a briefing organised by the Neurology Awareness and Research Foundation (NARF) in connection with the forthcoming World Brain Day.

Led by the World Federation of Neurology, the day is dedicated to raising awareness on neurological disorders andpromote brain health. This year`s theme is `Brain Health and Wellbeing: A Priority for All`.

Citing global statistics, the experts said the prevalence of neurological disorders had increased worldwide over the past 15 years and that the situation in Pakistan was far more serious.

`While comprehensive national data on neurological disorders isn`t available, we can say (in the light of our clinical experiences) that the situation is far more serious in Pakistan where the masses are deprived of primary healthcare, lack basic awareness on healthissues and the country face an acute shortage of health experts, and diagnostic and treatment facilities,` NARF President Dr Muhammad Wasay said.

Answering a question, Dr Wasay said stroke cases had doubled in Pakistan in a decade and the key drivers were growing numbers of people with diabetes and hypertension.

`Uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension are major risk factors for stroke. Hence, public awareness on this subject is critical for prevention, he said, adding that there were only 400 neurologists in Pakistan, which meant that there was no neurologist in the country`s 50 districts.

NARF General Secretary Dr Abdul Malik highlighted that the recent data showed that 43per cent of the global population was affected by some form of neurological illness. `This is not just a number it represents a serious challenge for every family. Having good mental health doesn`t merely mean the absence of disease. It`s the foundation of a positive, dignified, and well-balanced life.

The experts also pointed out that neurological disorders could strike at any age and that disease prevention began right from pregnancy.

`Poor maternal and child health and lack of immunisation increase the risk of neurological disorders in children. Access to rehabilitation, physiotherapy and special education must be made widespread and affordable,` observed Dr Wajid Javed.