A groundbreaking initiative to promote brain health was launched at the Sir John Kotelawala Defence University in Ratmalana under the patronage of the Minister of Health and Mass Media, Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa on Thursday (19).
For the first time in the world, one hundred specially trained brand ambassadors were deployed to educate the public about brain health.
The brand ambassadors, selected and trained by the Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and its affiliated hospital, represent various fields across the two institutions. They will focus on raising awareness of “10 Things Right for Brain Health,” a comprehensive guide to fostering brain health. The programme will be implemented countrywide, starting at the grassroots level.
The “10 Things Right for Brain Health” campaign emphasises key practices:
1. Healthy eating habits.
2. Staying physically active.
3. Being a good citizen and establishing social relationships.
4. Managing body weight and waist circumference.
5. Avoiding smoking.
6. Managing cholesterol levels.
7. Managing blood sugar levels.
8. Managing blood pressure.
9. Managing positive stress levels.
10. Getting healthy sleep.
During the launch, Minister Dr. Jayatissa praised the initiative as a transformative step for the country’s health services.
He emphasised the importance of disease prevention and awareness, pointing out that the Government spends significant resources annually on healthcare services.
The minister commended the voluntary service of the brand ambassadors and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting the programme.
Statistics revealed at the event highlight the urgency of the initiative, with over 3.4 billion people worldwide (nearly half the global population) suffering from brain-related diseases.
There are over 400 identified brain diseases, with conditions such as paralysis, dementia, migraines, epilepsy, and diabetes-related nerve damage having the most significant impact.
Experts estimate that over 90 percent of these conditions can be prevented through proper awareness and early intervention.
The programme has garnered support from international organisations, including the Global Patient Advocacy Coalition (GPAC), to expand its impact globally.
The inauguration was attended by prominent officials and experts, including Health and Mass Media Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe; Defence Ministry Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Sampath Thuiyakontha; Health Services DG Dr. Asela Gunawardena; Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Vice Chancellor Rear Admiral Dhammika Kumara; Professor Tissa Wijeratne from the World Federation of Neurology and Brain Health Week Head Dr. Prasanna Herath.
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