Neurological Disorders: A Rising Global Health Crisis Affecting Millions

Neurological disorders have emerged as a leading global health challenge, affecting over 40% of the world's population and causing more than 11 million deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization's (WHO) "Global Status Report on Neurology" released on October 14, 2025. The report underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address this escalating crisis.

The WHO's comprehensive assessment identifies the top ten neurological conditions contributing to death and disability as of 2021:

• Stroke
• Neonatal encephalopathy
• Migraine
• Alzheimer's disease and other dementias
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Meningitis
• Idiopathic epilepsy
• Neurological complications linked to preterm birth
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Cancers of the nervous system

The report highlights significant disparities in healthcare resources between low- and high-income countries. Low-income nations have over 80 times fewer neurologists compared to their high-income counterparts. Additionally, only 32% of WHO Member States have a national policy addressing neurological disorders, and a mere 18% report having dedicated funding for these conditions.

Dr. Neerja Chowdhary, Technical Officer at the Neurological, Sensory and Oral Conditions Unit at WHO, emphasized the gravity of the situation:

"Headaches, migraines, strokes, epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and dementia are all neurological disorders that affect the brain, spine, and nerves. Over three billion people are affected by these disorders, making them the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. Yet, they are often misunderstood, underfunded, and overlooked."

In response to these challenges, the WHO has called for urgent, evidence-based, and coordinated global action to prioritize brain health and expand neurological care. The organization urges countries to integrate brain health into universal health coverage, strengthen primary care, ensure access to essential medicines, reduce stigma, and invest in data systems.

Dr. Tarun Dua of WHO highlighted the path forward:

"The science is clear and the path is practical. If countries embed brain health in universal coverage, strengthen primary care, ensure access to essential medicines, reduce stigma, and invest in data systems, we can measurably improve lives—especially in settings where the need is greatest."

The "Global Status Report on Neurology" serves as the first comprehensive global assessment under the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (IGAP) for 2022–2031. Adopted by WHO Member States in 2022, IGAP aims to improve access to treatment and care, enhance the quality of life for people with neurological disorders, and promote brain health across the life course. The report sets 2022 baseline values for the 10 global targets of IGAP and offers evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and the global neurology community.

The widespread prevalence of neurological disorders underscores a pressing public health crisis. The significant mortality rate of 11 million deaths annually due to these conditions highlights the urgent need for comprehensive healthcare strategies. The pronounced disparities between low- and high-income countries in terms of healthcare resources and policies exacerbate global health inequalities. The lack of national policies and dedicated funding in many countries indicates a systemic neglect of neurological health, potentially leading to increased disability and economic burden on societies.

The WHO's "Global Status Report on Neurology" serves as a clarion call for urgent, evidence-based, and coordinated global action to prioritize brain health and expand neurological care. Addressing the disparities and implementing comprehensive strategies are imperative to mitigate the growing burden of neurological disorders worldwide.