11 million lives lost each year: WHO calls for urgent action on neurological care

WHO urges governments to prioritize brain health and expand neurological care access

The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded an urgent alarm over the rising global burden of neurological disorders, revealing that these conditions now affect more than 3 billion people and claim over 11 million lives each year. Despite this, less than one in three countries has a national policy addressing neurological care — a gap that threatens to deepen global health inequalities.

Neurological disorders: a global health emergency

According to WHO’s new Global Status Report on Neurology 2025, neurological conditions such as stroke, migraine, dementia, epilepsy, diabetic neuropathy, and meningitis now represent the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide.

The report highlights a major workforce crisis: low-income countries have up to 80 times fewer neurologists than high-income nations, leaving millions without access to diagnosis, treatment, or rehabilitation services.

“With more than 1 in 3 people living with brain-related conditions, we must act now to ensure care is accessible, affordable, and equitable,” said Dr. Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.

Key findings from WHO’s report

• Only 32% of countries have a national neurological policy.
• Just 18% allocate dedicated funding for neurological care.
• Only 25% include neurological disorders in universal health coverage packages.
• Critical services like stroke units, pediatric neurology, and rehabilitation remain largely urban and unavailable in rural regions.
• Low- and middle-income countries face a severe shortage of specialized workforce and legal protections for caregivers.

These figures reveal how weak health systems, underfunding, and social stigma continue to leave millions untreated — especially in vulnerable and remote populations.

A roadmap for equitable brain health

In 2022, WHO Member States adopted the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders, outlining a unified strategy to reduce the global burden of neurological diseases. The plan urges nations to:

• Prioritize brain health in national health policies.
• Expand access to neurological care through universal health coverage.
• Invest in prevention and early diagnosis to reduce long-term disability.
• Strengthen data systems for evidence-based policymaking.
• Empower caregivers and reduce stigma around neurological conditions.

WHO is urging all governments to invest in brain health as a global priority. Without coordinated action, the report warns, neurological disorders will continue to rise — particularly in countries least prepared to respond.

“We must ensure that brain health is properly invested in, that patients are supported, and that no one is left behind,” Dr. Farrar emphasized.

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