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

Abstract

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.