WHO Sounds Alert That More Than 11 Million People Are Dying A Year From Neurological Disorders!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Oct 16, 2025 3 hours, 43 minutes ago
Medical News: Global Crisis as Neurological Disorders Become Leading Cause of Death and Disability
The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised a grave alarm after new findings revealed that neurological disorders are now responsible for over 11 million deaths annually—making them among the world’s deadliest health burdens. The WHO’s Global Status Report on Neurology, released from Geneva and Seoul, underscores that neurological conditions affect more than 3 billion people worldwide, equivalent to 40% of the global population. Yet, fewer than one in three countries have national policies to address this escalating crisis, highlighting a dangerous gap in public health preparedness and access to neurological care.
.jpg)
WHO Sounds Alert That More Than 11 Million People Are Dying A Year From Neurological Disorders!
The data—compiled by the WHO’s Division of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control in collaboration with leading institutions worldwide—shows an alarming lack of funding, infrastructure, and trained specialists to tackle the growing epidemic of brain-related illnesses. According to this
Medical News report, the situation is far worse in low-income nations where the number of neurologists is over 80 times fewer than in high-income countries, leaving millions of patients without diagnosis or treatment.
A Long List of Deadly Neurological Conditions
Among the top contributors to death and disability are stroke, neonatal encephalopathy, migraine, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetic neuropathy, meningitis, epilepsy, neurological issues linked to preterm birth, autism spectrum disorders, and brain cancers. WHO officials emphasized that these conditions can often be prevented or effectively managed, but only when early detection and medical access are available. Dr. Jeremy Farrar, WHO Assistant Director-General, warned that many people face stigma, poverty, and social isolation in addition to their illnesses, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Most Countries Lack Policies and Funding
The WHO report reveals that only 32% of its 194 Member States—63 countries—have a national policy targeting neurological disorders, and just 18% have dedicated funding. Without structured frameworks, health systems remain fragmented and ill-equipped to support neurological care. Only 25% of countries include neurological disorders in their universal health coverage packages, meaning that millions must pay out of pocket for even basic care. Essential services such as stroke units, rehabilitation, and palliative care remain concentrated in major cities, leaving rural populations largely abandoned.
The Invisible Burden on Carers and Families
A major finding of the report highlights the lack of formal recognition and protection for caregivers. Only 46 countries offer carer support services, while 44 have legal protections. This means families, especially women, are bearing the emotional, social, and financial toll of lifelong care wi
thout institutional support. In many cases, caregivers are forced to leave jobs, driving households deeper into poverty.
A Call for Global Action and Investment
In 2022, WHO Member States adopted the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders as a roadmap to reduce the burden of neurological diseases. The plan urges countries to prioritize brain health, expand universal healthcare, strengthen workforce training, improve data systems, and include patients and families in shaping national health strategies.
Conclusion
The WHO warns that without immediate and coordinated action, neurological disorders will continue to escalate, worsening global health inequities and economic instability. Urgent investments are needed to expand access to care, build neurological infrastructure, and reduce stigma. Public awareness campaigns must also highlight early symptoms, prevention, and lifestyle interventions that protect brain health. The world’s response in the next decade will determine whether billions live with dignity—or die from neglect.
Reference:
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240116139
For the latest on brain and neurological disorders, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/beyond-recovery-study-reveals-how-covid-19-doubles-heart-attack-and-stroke-risks-for-years
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/genetic-clues-reveal-how-covid-19-may-trigger-ischemic-stroke-risk
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/spike-protein-from-sars-cov-2-worsens-stroke-risks
Share
Tweet
Share
