WHO Warns of Global Neurological Health Crisis: Over 11 Million Deaths Annually Demand Urgent Action
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about the growing global burden of neurological disorders, revealing that less than one in three countries has a national policy in place to address these conditions. According to WHO’s newly released Global Status Report on Neurology, neurological disorders are responsible for more than 11 million deaths worldwide each year and currently affect over 40% of the global population—more than 3 billion people. The report highlights an urgent need for coordinated global action to prioritize brain health and expand access to neurological care.
Neurological conditions encompass a wide range of disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. The top 10 neurological conditions contributing to death and disability globally, based on 2021 data, include stroke, neonatal encephalopathy, migraine, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, diabetic neuropathy, meningitis, idiopathic epilepsy, neurological complications linked to preterm birth, autism spectrum disorders, and cancers of the nervous system.
The burden of neurological disorders is particularly acute in low- and middle-income countries, where access to care is severely limited. In low-income countries, there are over 80 times fewer neurologists per capita compared to high-income nations, despite the heavy disease burden. Many of these countries lack national plans, dedicated budgets, and sufficient healthcare workforce to respond effectively to neurological conditions. WHO is calling for evidence-based, coordinated global efforts to address these disparities and expand access to brain health services.
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,” said Dr. Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General, Division of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control. “Many of these neurological conditions can be prevented or effectively treated, yet services remain out of reach for most—especially in rural and underserved areas—where people face stigma, social exclusion, and financial hardship. We must work together to ensure patients and their families are prioritized and that brain health receives proper investment.”
Key Findings from the Report
The WHO report is the first of its kind to provide a comprehensive global overview of neurological health policies and services. Its findings reveal concerning gaps in healthcare provision:
- Only 53% of WHO Member States (102 of 194 countries) contributed data to the report, underscoring the limited attention given to neurological disorders.
- Just 32% of countries (63 nations) have a national policy addressing neurological disorders.
- Only 18% (34 countries) report having dedicated funding to support neurological care.
Without strong policy frameworks, health systems remain fragmented, under-resourced, and poorly equipped to meet patient and family needs. While advocacy campaigns and public awareness efforts are making some progress, much more is needed to reduce stigma, improve access to care, and accelerate reforms.
The availability of essential neurological services is limited, particularly outside urban centers. Only 25% of Member States (49 countries) include neurological disorders in their universal health coverage benefit packages. Critical services such as stroke units, pediatric neurology, rehabilitation, and palliative care are often scarce or concentrated in cities, leaving rural and underserved populations without access to life-saving care.
The shortage of qualified health professionals exacerbates these challenges. Low-income countries face up to 82 times fewer neurologists per 100,000 people compared to high-income nations, making timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care inaccessible for many patients.
Neurological disorders often require lifelong management, yet only 46 Member States provide carer services, and just 44 countries have legal protections for carers. Informal carers—most often women—remain unsupported, reinforcing social inequities and placing significant financial strain on families.
Weak health information systems and chronic underfunding of research, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, further limit the ability to make evidence-based policy decisions and develop effective interventions.
Roadmap for Global Action
In response to this pressing public health challenge, WHO Member States adopted the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders in 2022. The plan provides a roadmap for countries to:
- Strengthen policy prioritization and leadership on neurological disorders.
- Ensure timely and effective care, including health promotion and disease prevention initiatives.
- Improve data collection and monitoring systems for better decision-making.
- Engage people with lived experience in shaping inclusive policies and services.
WHO warns that without decisive action, the burden of neurological disorders will continue to rise, deepening global health inequities. The organization urges governments worldwide to:
- Make neurological disorders a policy priority through bold leadership and sustained investment.
- Expand access to neurological care via universal health coverage and health system strengthening.
- Promote brain health across the life course with coordinated intersectoral actions addressing risk factors and protective measures.
- Strengthen data systems and monitoring to support evidence-informed decisions and accountability.
WHO’s report serves as a critical call to action: neurological disorders are a growing global health crisis, and urgent, sustained efforts are required to improve access to care, reduce preventable deaths, and enhance the well-being of billions of people worldwide.
By prioritizing brain health, investing in services, and strengthening healthcare systems, countries can ensure that individuals affected by neurological conditions receive the treatment, support, and recognition they deserve, while safeguarding global health security for the future.
