The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a sobering reminder that the world is facing a mounting neurological crisis. Over 11 million lives are lost each year to neurological disorders, which now affect more than 3 billion people—nearly 40% of the global population. Yet, only one in three countries has a national policy to tackle this growing burden. According to the WHO’s Global Status Report on Neurology, the top contributors to death and disability include stroke, neonatal encephalopathy, migraine, dementia, diabetic neuropathy, meningitis, epilepsy, preterm-related neurological complications, autism spectrum disorders, and cancers of the nervous system.
Despite the enormous disease load, low-income countries have up to 80 times fewer neurologists than high-income nations. Many lack comprehensive plans, budgets, or workforce capacity for neurological care. Essential services,…
