Staff Reporter

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning that a global crisis in neurological care is costing over 11 million lives each year, with more than three billion people, over 40% of the global population, now affected by neurological conditions.

The warning comes with the release of the agency’s new Global status report on neurology, which reveals a devastating lack of political will, funding, and qualified professionals, particularly in low- and middle-income nations.

The report reveals that less than one in three countries worldwide has a national policy to address the growing burden of neurological disorders.

Furthermore, only 18% of countries report having dedicated funding for these conditions.

The top 10 conditions contributing to global death and disability as of 2021 include stroke, migraine, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and epilepsy, underscoring the broad and severe impact on public health.

“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, WHO Assistant Director-General.

“Many of these neurological conditions can be prevented or effectively treated, yet services remain out of reach for most.” He added.

The most alarming finding in the report is the profound global inequality in neurological care.

Low-income countries possess over 80 times fewer neurologists compared to high-income nations.