Over 40% of the global population, exceeding three billion individuals, are impacted by neurological disorders, as reported in the first-ever analysis by WHO. The leading conditions include stroke, migraine, meningitis, Alzheimer’s disease, and other dementias, along with neurological issues associated with premature birth, autism spectrum disorders, and cancers of the nervous system.
Improving healthcare
“With over one in three people globally affected by brain-related diseases, we must enhance the healthcare they require,” stated Dr. Jeremy Farrar, Assistant Director-General of WHO. “Most neurological conditions can be effectively prevented or treated, yet services are largely inaccessible, especially in rural and underserved regions.” Despite these statistics, less than a third of countries have a national strategy to tackle this rising challenge.
Lack of attention, funding, and staff
Out of 194 WHO member states, only 102 contributed to the report, reflecting the “limited focus on neurology,” according to the UN agency. Only 63 countries have a national policy on neurological disorders, and merely 34 have allocated funds for these issues. The report highlights that low-income nations have over 80 times fewer neurologists compared to affluent countries.
Services out of reach for many
Essential services remain unattainable for most, as only 25% of countries include neurological disorders in universal health coverage, with necessary services like stroke and pediatric neurology units often unavailable and concentrated in cities. Although neurological diseases often need lifelong care, only 46 countries provide caregiver services, and just 44 have legal protections for caregivers. As a result, informal caregivers, mainly women, often go unrecognized and unsupported.
The WHO called on governments to prioritize neurological disorders through decisive leadership and ongoing investment, expanding access to care via universal health coverage. Other suggested actions include promoting brain health and enhancing health system surveillance.
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