New Delhi: The World Health Organisation (WHO) issued the shocking call, which brought to light the fact that neurological disorders are among the globe’s major causes of death and disability and are the root cause of more than 11 million annual fatalities.
A new Global Status Report on Neurology, unveiled today, shows that stroke, dementia, migraine, epilepsy, and meningitis combined affect over 3 billion people globally — almost 40% of the global population. Yet, less than one-third of the countries have a country-wide policy for responding to these rapidly expanding health challenges.
A Worldwide Brain Health PandemicThe report points to the bleak and growing divide between rich and poor countries. Poverty-stricken nations have from zero to 80 times fewer neurologists than richer countries. For millions of patients, the result is delayed diagnosis, limited access to therapy, and lack of follow-up care.
One in three are living with conditions that impact their brain,’ added Dr. Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control. ‘Some can be prevented and some can be very successfully treated, but the services are unavailable for most — and least available in rural and hard-to-reach communities. Brain health must take centre stage, everywhere in the world.
Major Takeaways from the ReportWHO’s facts and figures present a bleak picture:Only 32% of countries have national policies on neurological disorders.A meagre 18% have made plans for neurological coverage.Less than 25% includes such conditions in their plans for universal coverage in health.
Without appropriate infrastructure and funds, millions of patients and their caregivers are left struggling to navigate chaotic systems with no assurances of timely and affordable medicine. The report also shows that only 46 countries protect caregivers — predominately women — and only 44 countries have a legal protection in place for them.The Hidden Human CostOther than numbers, the human toll is enormous. Patients suffering from Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, or autism are stigmatised, isolated, and financially insecure. Families bear the lion’s share of the emotional and fiscal toll, particularly in communities where social security and state healthcare are weak.
In rural settings, subspeciality conditions such as stroke units, paediatric neurology, rehabilitation, and palliative medicine are missing or are physically inaccessible. Preventable death therefore becomes the norm in spite of the remedy available.
Why the World Must Act TodayThey caution that the toll from neurological disease will only continue to mount without rapid, coordinated action worldwide — particularly with growing populations and changing lifestyles.The WHO advises governments should:Neurological care at the national level with high-level support from leaders and investments.Increased access to care with wider coverage and health workforce development.Support brain health at all ages from infancy through oldest age.Invest in research and data, especially in low- and middle-income nations, in order to guide policy and accountability.
A Plan for the FutureMember States in 2022 endorsed the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders, an instrument aimed at assisting countries in improving their neurological care systems. It focuses on the aspect of preventing such conditions, early intervention, and multi-disciplinary action among healthcare, school, and social spheres.With increased awareness among the masses, rotational policymaking for inclusivity, and the empowerment of people with lived experience to become the champions for their cause, the plan aims at building a future where brain health becomes a right — and not a privilege.
A Global Call for SolidarityDespite progress in recent years, the gap between medical knowledge and policy action remains troubling. Neurological disorders are no longer just medical issues; they are social and economic emergencies affecting billions of people and entire healthcare systems. As its report concludes, the world can no longer afford to take brain health lightly. Treating neurological disorders demands the passion and compassion and the political will and global coordination — prior to the loss each year of another 11 million lives due to treatable and preventable conditions.
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