2 weeks Ago By Sodiq Ojuroungbe
Sodiq Ojuroungbe The World Health Organisation in partnership with the International Federation of Football Association has launched a global concussion awareness campaign. WHO in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the campaign titled; “Suspect and Protect: No Match is Worth the Risk,” was aimed at educating players, coaches, and medical staff on the risks of brain injuries, particularly concussion, and promoting safe return-to-play practices. According to the statement, concussion symptoms may take up to 72 hours to appear, and players should be removed from play immediately if suspected of having a concussion.
“Medical evaluation within 24 hours and gradual return-to-play under medical guidance are also crucial,” the statement stated. The statement noted that the objectives aim to drive growth, development, and innovation in football worldwide, aligning with FIFA’s mission to develop the game and touch the world. The campaign emphasises the importance of understanding concussion as a traumatic brain injury, identifying concussion symptoms, and immediately removing players with symptoms from play to seek medical attention.
The statement revealed that this initiative will be rolled out across all FIFA channels, while also providing toolkits to 211 FIFA Member Associations for implementation at national, regional, and local levels. Additionally, the campaign is built upon three main action points for audiences within national teams, professional clubs and leagues, and amateur and grassroots communities. The FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, stated that concussion as a brain injury should always be taken seriously, noting that “playing football should be something enjoyed safely, by everyone, everywhere.
” “By knowing the signs of concussion, by being aware of the risks, and by treating a concussion correctly, you can help to put player safety first,” he said. “A big thank you to FIFA’s member associations for their efforts in launching with us and for following the advice provided by our colleagues at the World Health Organisation,” he said. Also on his part, the WHO’s Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, described concussion as a public health issue requiring greater awareness.
He said, “Concussion is a public health issue of concern at all levels of football, and many other sports, requiring greater levels of awareness and action. “That is why WHO is proud to team up with FIFA on the Suspect and Protect campaign to promote ways to protect the brains of footballers, young and old, around the world from the risks of concussion.” The statement added that FIFA’s concussion awareness campaign emphasises the importance of recognising and responding to concussion symptoms.
“Whether you’re a player, coach, team doctor, parent, or carer, understanding concussion as a traumatic brain injury is crucial,” he stated. The statement, however, said if anyone sustains a direct or indirect impact to their head, face, neck, or body, they should be assessed for concussion symptoms, which may take up to 72 hours to appear. It further stated that if symptoms occur, individuals are protected by immediately removing them from play, saying that “a doctor’s evaluation is necessary within 24 hours, and players should follow medical guidance on return to play.
” It further noted that some symptoms require urgent medical attention and that it’s essential to remember that concussion symptoms could evolve. “The campaign’s clear message is: no match is worth the risk,” the statement said. Meanwhile, the WHO said it had been striving to promote optimal brain development, neurological health, and well-being globally, with its key focus areas including strengthening brain health infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries, developing integrated, person-centered brain health approaches, and promoting global collaboration and investment.
” Following the Intersectoral Global Action Plan (2022-2031), WHO said the efforts aimed at improving care, recovery, and participation for individuals with neurological disorders, addressing 70 per cent of the global burden affecting low- and middle-income countries. Copyright PUNCH All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected] Tags brain surgery FIFA sports injuries WHO WHO FIFA begin global campaign on brain injury.
