WHO Urges Urgent Global Action to Improve Brain Health

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for urgent action to scale up care for neurological conditions, which affect more than three billion people worldwide. Many of these conditions, the agency said, could be prevented or effectively treated with the right services.

Neurological disorders now impact over 40 percent of the global population and claim more than 11 million lives annually, according to the latest WHO data. The top ten conditions contributing to death and disability include stroke, migraine, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, meningitis, and idiopathic epilepsy.

Despite the high burden, structural, financial, and social barriers are hindering progress, while widespread misconceptions and stigma prevent many people from seeking treatment, the WHO warned.

“WHO is calling for urgent, evidence-based, and coordinated global action to prioritise brain health and expand neurological care,” the agency said.

Currently, only 63 countries have a national policy on neurological disorders, and just 34 report dedicated funding. Low-income nations have more than 80 times fewer neurologists than high-income countries, leaving millions without timely diagnosis, treatment, or ongoing care.

“Many neurological conditions can be prevented or effectively treated, yet services remain out of reach—especially in rural and underserved areas, where stigma, social exclusion, and financial hardship are major barriers,” said WHO Assistant Director-General Jeremy Farrar.

The WHO report also highlighted chronic underfunding of research in low- and middle-income countries, which hampers the development of effective policies. Only 46 countries provide carer services and just 44 have legal protections for carers, leaving informal carers with little recognition or support.

“Without immediate action, the burden of neurological disorders will continue to rise,” the WHO warned. It urged countries to prioritise brain health through sustained investment, expand access to care, promote public awareness, and strengthen monitoring to guide decision-making.