One world, one goal: Advocacy and policy for a unified Parkinson's response.

内容摘要

Parkinson's disease is one of the fastest growing neurological disorders with regards to disability and death. Though this burden is felt globally, inequities in research, advocacy, prioritization and funding mean that the needs of people with Parkinson's disease in low- and middle-income countries, and from marginalized communities in high-income countries, remain poorly recognized. Parkinson's disease is increasingly being acknowledged as a global public health issue requiring a public health response. Global advocacy efforts, awareness-raising initiatives, research collaborations, partnerships and investment in Parkinson's disease have therefore accelerated in recent years, with the positioning of people affected by PD as authoritative voices paramount to this drive. Yet despite this progress, inequalities in access to treatments, care and support persist. Responding to the global burden posed by Parkinson's disease requires sustained, multi-sectoral, concerted action, building on an integrated and systems-oriented approach. The generation of momentum for a public health approach to Parkinson's disease must be met with implementation at the country level, alongside sufficient allocation of resources, monitoring and evaluation. The approach offered in this paper builds on the five cross-cutting strategic objectives outlined in the World Health Organization's Intersectoral global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders 2022-2031 (IGAP) implementation toolkit, offering a platform to build a unified global response to Parkinson's disease. Action should therefore center on the integrated themes of (1) prioritization and governance; (2) diagnosis, treatment and care; (3) promotion and prevention; (4) research and information systems; and (5) a tailored Parkinson's disease-specific public health approach. A global response to Parkinson's diseaseParkinson's disease is one of the world's fastest growing brain disorders. While Parkinson's disease affects people across the globe, individuals living in low- and middle-income countries, and those from marginalized communities in higher income countries, do not receive the attention, care and support they need to live well. Parkinson's disease has been recognized as an important global public health issue, including by the World Health Organization. As a result, international advocacy efforts, awareness campaigns, research efforts and investments have grown. People with lived experience are also increasingly involved in shaping these efforts, which is an important step forward. Despite this progress, there are still inequalities in who can access a diagnosis, treatment and care. Addressing the challenge of Parkinson's disease requires long-term and coordinated action across many sectors. Efforts need to be integrated into broader health systems and supported by strong political commitment. The recognition of Parkinson's disease as a public health priority must be met by plans to implement strategies, accompanied by monitoring to understand if the strategies are working. This paper offers recommendations that build on the World Health Organization's approach to tackling neurological disorders through an ‘intersectoral global action plan’. These objectives provide a foundation for building a unified global response to Parkinson's disease. The key areas for action include: (1) stronger prioritization and leadership; (2) improved access to diagnosis, effective treatment and care; (3) the promotion of brain health and disease prevention; (4) improved research and health information systems; and (5) tailored public health strategies specific to Parkinson's disease. Together, these actions will help to reduce inequalities and ensure that all people impacted by Parkinson's disease can receive the care and support they need, no matter where they live.