Why Nigeria Must Invest In Prevention, Not Treatment Of Neurological Disorders – Dr. Temitope Farombi
•By OYENIYI KAZEEM
IBADAN – A consultant neurologist, Dr Temitope Farombi, has urged Nigeria to prioritise the prevention of neurological disorders, warning that treating such conditions after they occur is far more expensive and often yields poor outcomes.
Dr Farombi, a consultant neurologist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, and founder of Brain Centre Neurological and Rehabilitation Services, spoke during a press conference on Monday during the first anniversary of the Brain Centre in Ibadan.
The British-trained neurologist was flanked by Esther Erigbemi Farinu and Samuel Oluwaseun Babalola.
The Brain Centre was launched in January 2025 as a one-stop neurological and rehabilitation facility for the care of various neurological cases. Within a year, it has treated over 160 cases.
She said many neurological conditions affecting Nigerians are largely preventable if the right policies, education and health infrastructure are put in place.
According to her, disorders such as autism, stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease and traumatic brain injury are increasingly common and now rank among the leading causes of disability. Yet, she noted, government attention remains focused on treatment rather than prevention.
“Prevention is always cheaper and more effective than treatment,” she said. “A condition like tetanus can be prevented with a vaccine that costs a few hundred naira, but treating tetanus can cost close to two million naira, often with poor outcomes. The same applies to stroke and other neurological diseases.”
Dr Farombi explained that stroke prevention through routine checks and medications may cost between ₦10,000 and ₦15,000 monthly, while treating a stroke can require one to two million naira, money many families do not have. She described this pattern as unsustainable in a country where most citizens pay for healthcare out of pocket.
She also highlighted the role of genetics in neurological conditions, particularly autism. People with a family history of autism, she said, can pass it down genetically, making premarital and pre-pregnancy genetic testing important. However, unlike sickle cell screening, genetic testing for autism risk remains expensive and largely inaccessible.
“This is an area where government intervention is needed,” she said. “Affordable genetic testing, proper antenatal care and early specialist referrals during pregnancy can significantly reduce preventable complications.”
Dr Farombi emphasised the growing importance of non-pharmacological approaches, especially social prescription. She explained that social prescription involves activities such as gardening, spending time in green spaces, dancing, music and travel, which have been shown to support brain health.
“There is now strong scientific evidence that social and environmental factors influence brain function and disease expression. For patients with dementia or Parkinson’s disease, activities like dancing, music and social engagement can improve movement, mood and awareness,” she said.
She expressed concern that many patients with neurological conditions are confined indoors, sometimes prevented from attending religious or social gatherings, which she said worsens their condition.
On government responsibility, Dr Farombi said Nigeria’s health insurance coverage remains below 10 per cent, leaving most patients to pay out of pocket. She added that essential neurological medications are often unavailable or unaffordable, with some patients spending up to ₦500,000 per treatment session for conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
She also pointed out the absence of advanced treatments and community-based rehabilitation centres in the country. According to her, rehabilitation services are largely hospital-based and insufficient, whereas patients should be able to access physical, speech and occupational therapy close to their homes.
“Neurological conditions are the leading cause of disability worldwide,” she said. “Without proper prevention strategies, drug availability, rehabilitation services and public education, the burden will continue to rise.”
Dr Farombi warned that lifestyle factors such as smoking, drug misuse and excessive alcohol consumption also contribute significantly to neurological damage, including memory loss and brain degeneration. She called for stronger regulation, public awareness campaigns and sustained investment in preventive healthcare.
“Once neurological disease sets in, the cost is enormous, not just financially, but socially and emotionally. Nigeria must shift its focus from treating disease to preventing it,” she said.