The Promise of a Better Future: The Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health Programme in Cape Verde
The Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health (AFEBH) Programme at the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) represents an unprecedented opportunity for Cape Verde. By embracing this global initiative, the archipelago can strengthen its capacity to face the growing challenges related to brain health, promoting equity in access to specialised care and boosting research and innovation in the local context. This proposal details the possibilities inherent in Cape Verde's participation in the AFEBH, highlighting the benefits and long-term impacts that this collaboration can generate.
Brain health is a vital component of human well-being and neurological diseases such as dementia, depression and strokes represent a growing public health burden worldwide. In Cape Verde, with an ageing population and an increasing prevalence of risk factors associated with these conditions, the need for an innovative, multidisciplinary and equity-focused approach is imperative. The AFEBH, by offering a leadership training programme, its global network of experts and funding for research projects, provides the necessary tools to successfully tackle these challenges.
Participation in the AFEBH programme will enable Cape Verde to build a network of qualified professionals committed to brain health. Cape Verdean participants will have access to cutting-edge training, mentoring and research opportunities, developing their skills in crucial areas such as epidemiology, neuroscience, health policy and social intervention. These future leaders, equipped with international knowledge and experience, will be prepared to identify Cape Verde's specific needs, implement effective prevention and treatment strategies, and advocate for policies that promote brain health in all age groups.
Furthermore, the programme offers a valuable platform for research and innovation. The Fellowships awarded by the AFEBH provide funding for research projects focussed on the particularities of brain health in Cape Verde. This can lead to a better understanding of the causes and risk factors of neurological diseases in the local context, the development of new diagnostic and treatment methods adapted to the needs of the population, and the creation of culturally sensitive prevention interventions. Collaboration with researchers from the GBHI and other renowned institutions could accelerate progress and ensure that the research carried out in Cape Verde has a significant impact.
In addition, the AFEBH programme promotes equity in access to brain health care. By training leaders specialising in brain health and supporting projects focused on the most vulnerable communities, the programme aims to reduce disparities in access to healthcare and ensure that all Cape Verdeans, regardless of their socio-economic or geographical background, can benefit from high-quality healthcare. This holistic approach, which considers the social determinants of health, is fundamental to creating a fairer and more sustainable health system.
In short, Cape Verde's accession to the Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health Programme represents a strategic investment in the future of the country's public health. Through training, research and collaboration, the programme will enable Cape Verde to face the challenges of brain health, promote equity in access to care and improve the quality of life of its population. It is a crucial step towards building a healthier, more resilient and more equitable country.
Application deadline: 19th September 2025
Application link: https://www.gbhi.org/apply
