#AtaxiaUK is joining The Neurological Alliance and 44 other organisations from across England. We are urging the Secretary of State for Health and Care, Stephen Barclay to #BackThe1in6 and include neurological conditions in the proposed Major Conditions Strategy.
Neurological Alliance, a coalition of more than 90 organisations dedicated to improving the lives of people with neurological conditions, coordinated an open letter to the Secretary of State.
Ataxia is rare and progressive, affecting approximately 10,000 adults and 500 children in the UK. There is currently no cure for the majority of ataxias. However, there are forms of treatment that can ease the symptoms associated with ataxia. This means a faster and easier diagnosis is the starting point for someone to have the highest possible quality of life. It is our hope that this open letter will make a difference for the Ataxia community.
The letter points out that neurological conditions are too often overlooked by government despite being the leading cause of disability worldwide, and the second leading cause of death, accounting for approximately 9 million deaths each year. Even though neurological conditions are prevalent, only three were mentioned in the Government’s Major Conditions Strategy – dementia, cancer, and stroke.
The open letter includes a request for a meeting with the Secretary of State and for the inclusion of neurological conditions in the proposed Major Conditions Strategy.
Let’s change things and make a difference!
Read the open letter here: https://bit.ly/3FEnSnu