The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for urgent action to improve brain health worldwide, emphasizing the need to expand care for neurological conditions that affect over three billion people globally. The agency highlighted that neurological disorders account for more than 40 percent of the world’s population and claim over 11 million lives annually, underscoring the growing global health crisis that demands immediate attention.
The WHO report revealed that the top neurological conditions contributing to death and disability include stroke, migraine, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, meningitis, and epilepsy. Despite advancements in medicine, millions of people remain untreated due to structural, social, and financial barriers. Moreover, widespread stigma and misconceptions surrounding brain-related illnesses discourage individuals from seeking timely medical help, particularly in low-income and rural communities.
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Jeremy Farrar, WHO’s assistant director-general, stressed that with one in three people affected by neurological disorders, global systems must prioritize accessible and quality care. He added that many of these conditions are preventable or treatable, yet health services remain unavailable to most patients. Rural populations, in particular, suffer from a lack of trained specialists and limited financial resources, leading to worsening health outcomes and social isolation.
The report also exposed a striking inequality in neurological care across countries. Low-income nations reportedly have 80 times fewer neurologists than wealthier countries, resulting in delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment. Furthermore, only 63 countries have national policies addressing neurological disorders, and just 34 allocate dedicated funding for brain health, showing a critical gap in health infrastructure and policy commitment.
In addition, WHO found that only 46 countries provide carer services, while just 44 offer legal protections for caregivers. This lack of recognition leaves millions of informal carers without support or resources to manage the emotional and financial burden of caring for patients. The organization warned that without significant investment and global collaboration, the burden of neurological disorders will continue to rise in the coming decades.
Therefore, WHO has urged governments to make brain health a public health priority through sustained funding, expanded care services, and better monitoring systems. By promoting awareness and strengthening health policies, the organization aims to improve early detection, treatment accessibility, and overall brain health for millions of people worldwide.