WHO warns that neurological disorders cause over 11 million deaths annually, urging global action to strengthen neurological care and brain health policies.
Global Crisis: Neurological Disorders Killing 11 Million Annually
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an urgent call for global action as neurological disorders claim over 11 million lives every year, with more than 3 billion people worldwide—nearly 40% of the global population—affected by brain and nervous system conditions.
According to the newly released Global Status Report on Neurology 2025, fewer than one in three countries have a national policy to address the growing burden of neurological disorders, leaving billions vulnerable without adequate care.
Top Neurological Conditions Driving Death and Disability
The WHO report identifies the top 10 neurological disorders responsible for death and disability:
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.
Despite these alarming statistics, low-income countries have 80 times fewer neurologists than high-income nations, deepening the inequality in access to neurological care.
Severe Shortages and Lack of Policy Frameworks
Dr. Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion, said,
“With more than one in three people living with brain conditions, we must strengthen neurological care and make brain health a global priority.”
The WHO found that only 32% of its 194 Member States have any national policy addressing neurological disorders, while just 18% have dedicated funding. This policy vacuum leaves health systems fragmented and under-resourced, especially in rural and underserved areas where patients often face stigma and financial hardship.
Key Findings from the WHO Neurology Report
- Limited participation: Only 102 out of 194 countries contributed data, showing the limited attention given to neurology.
- Policy gaps: Just 63 countries have national policies on neurological disorders.
- Funding shortfalls: Only 34 countries allocate specific budgets for neurological care.
- Access inequality: Merely 25% of nations include neurological disorders in their universal health coverage plans.
- Severe workforce shortages: Low-income countries face up to 82 times fewer neurologists per capita than wealthier ones.
- Support system gaps: Only 46 nations offer carer services, and 44 have legal protections for caregivers, leaving millions without support.
These data reveal that neurological disorders remain among the world’s most neglected health challenges despite their enormous human and economic toll.
Lack of Access to Essential Neurological Care
Essential services such as stroke units, pediatric neurology, rehabilitation, and palliative care are available mainly in urban centers, leaving rural populations underserved. Patients in low- and middle-income countries often struggle to access even basic neurological treatment, leading to preventable disability and premature deaths.
Moreover, informal carers—often women—bear a heavy financial and emotional burden. WHO notes that neurological disorders often require lifelong care, yet most nations lack proper systems to support caregivers or ensure social protection.
Weak Data and Underfunded Research
The report warns that weak health information systems and chronic underinvestment in research prevent countries from designing effective, evidence-based policies. Particularly in developing regions, the absence of reliable data limits the ability to address neurological disorders through prevention, diagnosis, and long-term care strategies.
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A Global Roadmap for Brain Health
In response to this escalating crisis, WHO Member States adopted the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders in 2022. The plan provides a strategic framework to:
- strengthen policy prioritization,
- expand universal access to neurological care,
- improve brain health promotion and disease prevention, and
- include the voices of patients and families in policy design.
The Way Forward: WHO’s Four Urgent Recommendations
To reverse the growing burden of neurological disorders, WHO urges all governments to:
- Make neurological disorders a policy priority with sustained investment and leadership.
- Expand access to neurological care through universal health coverage and integrated health systems.
- Promote brain health across all ages with coordinated intersectoral action targeting risk factors.
- Strengthen data systems and research for evidence-based decision-making and accountability.
Conclusion: A Global Health Imperative
Without immediate, coordinated action, neurological disorders will continue to rise, widening health inequalities and straining healthcare systems worldwide. The WHO’s findings highlight that brain health is not just a medical issue—it is a social, economic, and human rights imperative.