; World Stroke Organization

Introducing WSO member: the Neurology Awareness & Research Foundation Pakistan

20 May 2021 Stroke awareness Stroke prevention

Dr. Abdul Malik, General Secretary of NARF Pakistan introduces the organisation and its current priorities.

Neurology Awareness & Research Foundation (NARF) is Pakistan’s leading body for neurologists, physicians, students and people with neurological disorders. The Foundation has carried out educational, research and awareness work in the field of neurology since 2007. NARF provides information and support to the public and their carers through our publications, public awareness, website, social media and educational activities.

We campaign for better quality of life for people with neurological disorders and greater understanding of these diseases. We also fund an innovative programme of medical and social research into the cause, cure, prevention and care people receive.

Our Aims & Objectives:

To promotes the exchange of ideas and create awareness among the community about neurology and neurological conditions including stroke, headache, movement disorders, muscular disorders, memory impairment disorders.
To provide education for professionals and the general public regarding neurology and neurological conditions to encourage scientific studies and research.
NARF will develop and provide scientific meetings, education courses, a journal, and other methods contributing to the increased knowledge of neurology and neurological conditions.
To provides facilities, funds and neurology consultancy to patients.
To collaborate with the Government, NGOs and other stakeholders, both nationally and internationally.

Activities:

Education - We train physicians and early career neurologists as well the family physicians, who are the main custodians of the healthcare across the country. We organize national conference, seminars, workshops and CME. During the Covid-19 pandemic we transformed all activities into online as well hybrid delivery.
Awareness and Advocacy – We have worked for nearly two decades to raise awareness about neurology and neurological conditions, yet there are still only about 200 neurologists for more than 200 million people in Pakistan. NARF runs awareness campaigns through email, in print, and on social media about conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s, stroke, headache and neuropathic pain. We have been marking World Stroke Day across the country every year since 2010. We develop literature in local languages and make a concerted effort to challenge myths about stroke in the community. We have developed the Stroke Manifesto, which sets out what should be done in stroke care in Pakistan. We have shared this with almost all major policy and decision makers in the country.
Research - We publish a research journal quarterly, which is accredited by the PMC. We also secure support through industry for different research projects.
Patient Welfare – Over more than 10 years, NARF has conducted in excess of 500 free camps in almost all major parts of the four provinces of Pakistan, as well Azad Jammu and Kashmir. We have provided services to more than 60,000 patients. The majority of these camps were Stroke Screening Camps.

Future Plans:

Alongside continuing our education, advocacy and research activities, we are in the initial planning phase to have a rehabilitation centre, where we shall provide quality rehabilitative services to address the needs of patients who cannot get access these essential services elsewhere.

For more information:

Website: www.paknarf.com

E-mail: info@paknarf.com

www.facebook.com/paknarf.org

Twitter: /PAK_NARF

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NARFNeurologyAwarenessResearchFoundation

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