Neurological conditions are the leading cause of ill health and disability

The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned that fewer than one in three countries had a national policy to address the rising burden of neurological disorders, which caused over 11 million deaths globally each year. According to WHO's Global Status Report on Neurology, neurological conditions affected more than 40% of the world's population—over 3 billion people. The leading causes of death and disability in 2021 included stroke, neonatal encephalopathy, migraine, Alzheimer's disease, diabetic neuropathy, meningitis, epilepsy, preterm birth complications, autism spectrum disorders, and nervous system cancers.

Low-income countries had over 80 times fewer neurologists than high-income nations, leaving many patients without care. Only 32% of WHO Member States had national policies for neurological disorders, and just 18% had dedicated funding. Essential services such as stroke units, rehabilitation, and palliative care were often unavailable, especially in rural and underserved areas. Furthermore, only 25% of countries included neurological disorders in their universal health coverage packages.

The report also revealed that few countries supported carers—only 46 offered carer services, and 44 had legal protections. Most carers, often women, remained unrecognised and financially burdened. Weak data systems and underfunded research further hindered progress.

In response, WHO Member States had adopted the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders in 2022 to guide countries in improving care, policy, and prevention. WHO urged governments to prioritise brain health, expand access to care, promote prevention across life stages, and strengthen data systems for evidence-based decision-making.

Source: World Health Organisation