Sub-Saharan African countries are witnessing a surge in the prevalence of neurological disorders. This is compounded by a critical shortage of neurologists, diagnostics and therapeutics to effectively manage these disorders. With this backdrop, the need to raise awareness of neurological disorders and promote brain health in this region has never been more imperative. However, awareness-raising initiatives for brain health and neurological disorders in this region are few. We present the results of a one-week digital campaign conducted to promote awareness of brain health in commemoration of Wolrd Brain Day 2024.
From July 15-22, 2024, a one-week digital campaign was conducted on WhatsApp and Facebook. The aim of the campaign was to contribute to the achievement of strategic objective 3 of the Intersectoral Global Action Plan for Epilepsy and other neurological disorders (IGAP) by raising awareness about the importance brain health and promoting strategies for maintaining healthy brains. The campaign included a series of educational posts, infographics, and videos highlighting the importance of brain health. We used the messages on brain health from the World Federation of neurology website to create an educative flyer carrying information on healthy tips to keep the brain healthy, such as exercising, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep. The messages were also translated to two other languages: French and Swahili to reach a wider audience.
We encouraged people to send us a headshot photo of themselves and we would overlay the flyer with their photo and they would share it on Facebook and WhatsApp. This personalized the campaign and helped increase engagement. Participants were also encouraged to invite friends and family to participate in this activity, creating a ripple effect of engagement and awareness. In addition to the educational materials, we also organized a contest where participants had to present creative ways to spread brain health awareness. The winners received a cash prize and had their content featured on our social media pages.

By the end of the campaign, we had over 250 participants from 10 countries in SSA: Cameroon, Tanzania, DR Congo, Congo Brazzaville, Ghana, Gabon. Nigeria, Mauritania, South Africa and Kenya. The educative flyer reached over 8,000 people on WhatsApp and Facebook with an engagement rate of over 42%. Furthermore, the contest received 20 submissions showcasing innovative ideas and initiatives to promote brain health in their communities. Most participants were from the 19-30 age group.

Social media can be an effective strategy in promoting brain health awareness in SSA. Also, young people can be effective drivers of change in brain health awareness. Strategies to promote brain health awareness and prevention of neurological disorders should involve young people and leverage social media.