Putting Neurology Patients First:
A pledge to support essential investment in neuroscience research and to protect the interests of neurology patients

To mark European Month of the Brain [EMOB], EFNA has launched its pledge to protect neuroscience research and neurology patients.

The launch took place at the official kick-off event for EMOB at the European Parliament on April 23rd, organised by the Scientific and Technology Options Assessment Unit.

Speaking at the event, EFNA President Audrey Craven said that it was was essential that the patient was positioned at the centre of all neurology healthcare policies and urged MEPs to sign the pledge.

THE PLEDGE

Brain-related disorders will affect at least one in every three Europeans.

Treating these disorders costs almost €800 billion in Europe every year; equating to approximately €1.5million per minute. These figures will continue to rise with Europe’s ageing population.

Yet, in the last few years, several pharmaceutical companies have reduced or closed their neurosciences R&D facilities because of perceived lower returns.

Appropriate resources need to be allocated to reflect the impact and burden of disease on individuals, their families and society.

In this context, ‘Putting neurology patients first’ should be a priority for action on the European Health Policy Agenda.

Sign our pledge if you support:

• Maintaining and increasing funding for neuroscience research under the EU Horizon 2020 framework programme and future funding frameworks.

• Legislating for the mandatory involvement of patients in all aspects of the decision-making, clinical trials and other patient-relevant processes.

• Empowering patients to be active participants in their own healthcare and in the shaping of neurological healthcare policy and decision-making.

• Ensuring that best practice procedures and relevant/required disease data is shared and coordinated at a European level – including the creation of pan-Europe disease registries.

• Providing all neurology patients with access to early and accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment and care.

• Protecting and recognising those who care for people affected by neurological disease and taking a wider societal approach to disease management and healthcare systems.