Neurological Disorders Responsible For 11 Million Deaths Globally – WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that over 11 million people die annually due to neurological disorders, which affect more than 40 per cent of the global population, approximately 3 billion people.

WHO noted that the disorders, including stroke, migraine, Alzheimer’s disease, neonatal encephalopathy, diabetic neuropathy, meningitis, idiopathic epilepsy, neurological complications linked to preterm birth, autism spectrum disorders, and cancers of the nervous system, are the leading cause of illness and disability worldwide.

Disclosing this on its website on Tuesday, the WHO said its new report, ‘Global Status Report on Neurology’, released today, highlighted significant gaps in healthcare, particularly in low-income countries, where there are up to 80 times fewer neurologists compared to high-income nations.

The report, in its findings, highlighted that only 53 per cent of WHO Member States (102 countries out of the 194) contributed to the report, indicating limited attention given to neurology. It added that only 32 per cent of member states have a national policy addressing neurological disorders, and only 18 per cent have dedicated funding.

It said stroke units and paediatric neurology are frequently lacking or concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural populations without access to lifesaving care. It also stated that only 46 member states offer care services, and 44 have legal protections for carers, leaving informal carers without recognition or support.

The report further revealed a severe lack of qualified health professionals, with low-income countries facing up to 82 times fewer neurologists per 100,000 people compared to high-income nations. This shortage means that for many patients, timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care are simply out of reach.

According to WHO, weak health information systems and chronic underfunding of research – particularly in low- and middle-income countries – limit evidence-based decision-making and prevent the design of effective policies on neurological disorders.

It, however, called for urgent, evidence-based and coordinated global action to prioritise brain health and expand neurological care.

WHO Assistant Director-General, Division of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control, Dr Jeremy Farrar, lamented that 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 too often face stigma, social exclusion and financial hardship.

He further stated, “With more than 1 in 3 people in the world living with conditions affecting their brain, we must do all we can to improve the health care they need,” said Dr Jeremy Farrar. We must work together to ensure we put patients and their families first and that brain health is prioritised and properly invested in.”

The global health body stated that in response to these growing public health challenges, Member States had 2022 adopted the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders to reduce the burden and impact of neurological conditions.

It also noted that the action plan provides countries with a roadmap to strengthen policy prioritisation, ensure timely and effective care, including health promotion and disease prevention, improve data systems, and engage people with lived experience in shaping more inclusive policies and services.

However, WHO stressed that without action, the burden of neurological disorders will continue to rise, deepening global health inequalities.

It further urged governments to make neurological disorders a policy priority through bold leadership and sustained investment, expand access to neurological care through universal health coverage and health system strengthening, promote brain health across the life course with coordinated intersectoral action targeting key risk and protective factors, and strengthen data systems and monitoring for evidence-informed decision-making and accountability.