Working together to eliminate cyanide poisoning , konzo , tropical ataxic neuropathy ( TAN ) and neurolathyrism Cassava Cyanide

In many parts of the world neurological diseases such as epilepsy, konzo, or neurolathyrism are not well understood or even accepted as major causes of disability. It is important that the public – from politicians and policy-makers to parents and children – be informed about the importance of brain research and how it can help provide a cure or at least alleviate the symptoms of neurological diseases. As Pierre Magistretti the President of IBRO said “With effective advocacy, greater political will and enhanced global cooperation, neuroscience will make faster progress for the benefit of all humans”. Neuroscience research is the key to widening what humankind has already achieved with our brains, to secure a sustainable future for forthcoming generations as stated by the IBRO Global Advocacy Committee. It is commonly accepted that most universities are founded with a civic purpose. Most donors expect changes in people’s lives. We therefore have a fundamental obligation to apply our skills, resources, and energy to address the most challenging issues in our society. Scientists from Africa, Diaspora, and Western Hemisphere will gather September 4 and 5 for the first workshop on Global Advocacy: Brain Research, Nutritional Policy, and Programs for Child Development, Kinshasa (DRC). Parallel activities CCDNN Coordination: Prof Fernand LAMBEIN, Coordinator Ghent University, Institute for plant Biotechnology Outreach (IPBO) Technologiepark 3, B-9052 Gent-Zwijnaarde, Belgium Phone: +32 484 417 5005 E-mail: Fernand.Lambein@ugent.be or Fernand.Lambein@gmail.com