According to the latest report from the World Health Organization (WHO), neurological diseases have become one of the greatest threats to global public health, causing over 11 million deaths each year and affecting more than 3 billion people worldwide. The annual report on the global status of neurology shows that neurological disorders affect more than 40% of the world's population, constituting a heavy burden not only on health systems, but also on the economies and families affected by these diseases.
Among the diseases that contribute most to the high mortality and disability rates are stroke, migraine, Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, meningitis, epilepsy, and cancers of the nervous system. According to the data, these conditions rank among the top 10 causes of death globally.
Senior WHO official Jeremy Farrar stressed that many of these diseases can be prevented or effectively treated, but lack of access to healthcare remains a major obstacle, especially in rural areas. “Many people living in remote areas do not have access to neurologists or basic treatments, while they face stigma, social exclusion and financial difficulties that prevent them from seeking help,” said Farrar.
The report highlights stark disparities between high-income and low-income countries. Poor countries have more than 80 times fewer neurologists per capita than rich countries. Meanwhile, only 32% of WHO member states have adopted national policies on neurological disorders, and only 18% have dedicated budgets for this area.
These figures show that, despite medical and technological advances, the majority of the world's population still does not have equal access to neurological services, which worsens the mental and physical health situation on a global scale.
The WHO called on all governments to prioritize neurological disorders in their public health policies, by developing clear strategies for their prevention, diagnosis and treatment. The agency underlines the importance of investing in health infrastructure, training specialists, as well as raising public awareness to combat the stigma that often accompanies these diseases.
"It is time for neurological health to be treated with the same urgency and seriousness as other chronic diseases. We have the knowledge and tools to reduce their burden, but it takes political will and sustained investment," concluded Farrar.
The WHO report comes at a time when the number of cases of neurological diseases is expected to increase significantly in the coming decades, due to an aging population and other factors such as pollution, stress, unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle. The agency warns that, unless urgent action is taken, the world will face a profound neurological crisis that could become one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century.
