Key Points
- WHO’s Global Status Report shows neurological disorders are now the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide, affecting 3.4 billion people.
- Only 32% of countries have national policies to address brain health issues.
- Stroke, dementia, and migraines remain the top causes of death and disability related to neurological conditions.
- Low-income countries have 80 times fewer neurologists than high-income nations, causing major care gaps.
- WHO calls for urgent global action, investment, and inclusion of neurological care in universal health coverage.
Geneva/Seoul: The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning about the escalating global burden of neurological diseases, revealing that more than 3 billion people, approximately 40% of the world’s population, are now affected by disorders of the brain, nerves, and related systems. The organization’s Global Status Report on Neurology 2025 presents the first comprehensive picture of how nations are responding to these conditions and exposes critical gaps in healthcare policies and resources.
According to the WHO report, neurological conditions collectively cause over 11 million deaths annually and are now the top contributor to disability and premature death globally, surpassing cardiovascular diseases. The burden—measured in disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) has surged by 18% since 1990, driven by rising life expectancy, population growth, and mounting exposure to environmental and lifestyle risk factors.
The Ten Deadliest Neurological Conditions
The leading contributors to neurological health loss in 2021 included stroke, neonatal encephalopathy, migraine, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, diabetic neuropathy, meningitis, epilepsy, neurological complications linked to preterm birth, autism spectrum disorders, and cancers of the nervous system. Diabetic neuropathy emerged as the fastest-growing neurological disorder, with global cases tripling since 1990, largely due to a parallel rise in diabetes.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the figures represent “an urgent call to action.” “Neurological conditions cause immense personal suffering and take a heavy toll on societies and economies. We must treat brain health as integral to healthcare for all,” he stressed.
Stark Inequality Amid Rising Need
The report highlights massive inequalities in neurological care globally. Low- and middle-income nations, which bear over 80% of the global neurological disease burden, have up to 82 times fewer neurologists per capita compared to high-income countries. Only 32% of WHO Member States have national policies addressing these disorders, and just 18% allocate dedicated public funding.
Even basic neurological services remain out of reach for millions. Only 25% of countries include neurological disorders under their universal health coverage, meaning that life-saving care such as stroke units, rehabilitation centers, and dementia clinics remains concentrated in urban hubs. For rural and low-income patients, stigma and financial hardship compound the crisis, especially for informal caregivers—predominantly women who often receive no legal or financial support.
Policy Neglect and Research Gaps
The WHO report warns that weak data systems and chronic underfunding of neurological research, particularly in developing nations, have stifled evidence-driven policymaking. Neurological care remains fragmented across ministries, and sustained investment in health workforces and infrastructure is lagging far behind global need.
Dr. Jeremy Farrar, WHO’s Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion, stated that “with one in three people living with brain-related conditions, we must do all we can to expand access to care, prevention, and rehabilitation. Many neurological disorders are preventable or treatable, yet millions still lack diagnosis and adequate support.”
The Road Ahead: WHO’s Global Action Plan
In 2022, WHO Member States adopted the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (IGAP) to reduce the global impact of brain diseases by 2031. Under IGAP, WHO aims for 80% of the world population to have access to essential neurological medicines and services within the next decade.
The roadmap calls on governments to:
- Make neurological disorders a policy priority with sustainable funding.
- Integrate brain health promotion and neurological care into universal health coverage.
- Expand neurological workforce development and training.
- Strengthen data systems and foster inclusive participation of patients and caregivers in policy design.
Without bold leadership and investment, the WHO warns that the growing neurological burden could overwhelm global healthcare systems, deepen inequality, and leave billions without the care they need. The message is clear: the world’s “silent epidemic” of brain disease demands immediate, coordinated, and sustained action.
