More than 40 percent of the world’s population – more than three billion people – are affected by neurological disorders, according to the first ever WHO report on the issue.
The top 10 includes stroke, migraine, meningitis, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementiasas well as neurological complications linked to premature birth, autism spectrum disorders and cancers of the nervous system.
Improving healthcare
“With more than one in three people worldwide living with diseases affecting their brain we must do everything we can to improve the health care they need” said Dr Jeremy Farrar, Assistant Director-General of WHO.
“Many of these neurological conditions can be prevented or treated effectivelyYet services remain out of reach for most – particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Despite these figures, fewer than one in three countries have a national policy to address this growing burden.
Lack of attention, funding and staff
The WHO has 194 member states and only 102 contributed to the report, or 53 percent – ”an indicator of the limited attention given to neurology”, the UN agency said.
Only 63 countries, or 32 percent, have a national policy on neurological disordersand only 34 countries, or 18 percent, have dedicated funds to these problems.
The report reveals that low-income countries have more than 80 times fewer neurologists than wealthier countries.
Services out of reach for many
Furthermore, essential services are out of reach for most since only 25 percent of countries include neurological disorders in universal health coverage – while essential services such as stroke and pediatric neurology units are often lacking and concentrated in urban areas.
Although neurological diseases often require lifelong care, only 46 countries offer caregiver services and only 44 countries have legal protections for caregivers. Therefore, informal caregivers – who are usually women – often receive no recognition or support.
The WHO urged governments “to make neurological disorders a policy priority through bold leadership and sustained investment” and to expand access to care through universal health coverage.
Other actions include promoting brain health and strengthening health systems and their surveillance.
