GLOBAL HEALTLH PRIORITIES AND THE PREVENTION OF NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Abstract

Objective: Epidemiologic studies indicate severe neurodevelopmental disabilities are more prevalent in low income countries than in higher income countries, and may be increasing in prevalence with recent improvements in infant and child survival. Studies also suggest many of the risk factors for neurodevelopmental disabilities in low income countries are preventable, and proven interventions for the prevention and treatment of neurological disorders in children are not accessible to the majority of the world's children living in developing countries. The objectives of this study are to identify cost-effective interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders in low income countries and to identify specific gaps in information and research priorities.