Geneva: Countries must scale up investment and care to treat neurological disorders, responsible for over 11 million deaths each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday. More than 40% of the global population-over three billion people-are affected by neurological conditions.
According to Emirates News Agency, the top 10 neurological conditions include stroke, migraine, meningitis, Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, as well as neurological complications linked to pre-term birth, autism spectrum disorders, and cancers of the nervous systems. Dr. Jeremy Farrar, a WHO Assistant Director-General, emphasized the urgency: 'With more than one in three people in the world living with conditions affecting their brain we must do all we can to improve the healthcare they need.' He highlighted that many of these conditions can be prevented or effectively treated, yet services remain inaccessible for most, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Despite the pressing numbers, less than one in three countries has a national policy to address the growing burden of neurological disorders. WHO, comprising 194 Member States, noted that only 102 contributed to the report, indicating the limited attention given to neurology. It was revealed that just 63 countries have a national policy on neurological disorders, and only 34 countries have dedicated funding to address them.
The report further highlighted disparities in healthcare access, finding that low-income countries have more than 80 times fewer neurologists compared to wealthier nations. WHO has urged governments to prioritize neurological disorders through bold leadership and sustained investment, advocating for expanded access to care via universal health coverage. Additional recommended actions include promoting brain health and strengthening both health systems and monitoring mechanisms.