Urgent global neurology warning 

October 16, 2025

The World Health Organization has warned that the world is failing to respond adequately to a growing crisis in neurological health, with disorders such as stroke, dementia, and epilepsy claiming more than 11 million lives every year. Its Global Status Report on Neurology, released on October 14, noted that neurological conditions now affect more than 40 per cent of the global population, over 3 billion people, yet fewer than one in three countries have national policies to address these disorders.

The report highlights deep inequities between nations. Low-income countries have more than 80 times fewer neurologists than high-income nations, despite carrying a high burden of neurological disease. Only 25 per cent of countries include neurological disorders in their universal health coverage programs, leaving millions without access to stroke units, rehabilitation services, or palliative care.

“More than one in three people worldwide live with conditions affecting their brain. Many of these neurological disorders can be prevented or treated effectively, yet services remain inaccessible, particularly in rural and underserved areas,” said Dr Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General, Division of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control. He also noted that stigma, social exclusion, and financial hardship compound the burden on patients and families.

As of 2021, the leading neurological conditions contributing to death and disability include stroke, neonatal encephalopathy, migraine, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, diabetic neuropathy, meningitis, idiopathic epilepsy, neurological complications of preterm birth, autism spectrum disorders, and cancers of the nervous system.

Despite the scale of these challenges, neurological diseases remain chronically under-prioritised. Only 32 per cent of WHO member states have dedicated national policies, and just 18 per cent report having dedicated budgets. Lifelong care is often needed, yet only 46 countries offer carer services, and only 44 have legal protections for carers, disproportionately affecting women who bear informal caregiving responsibilities.

Weak health information systems and underfunded research, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, further hinder progress. Only 53 per cent of WHO member states contributed data for the report, reflecting the limited attention given to neurology.

The report calls for urgent policy reform, including prioritising neurological disorders, expanding access through universal health coverage, promoting brain health throughout life, and strengthening data systems for better decision-making. Dr Farrar emphasised, “We must work together to put patients and families first and ensure that brain health is prioritised and properly invested in.”