Neurological disorders have become a significant public health concern globally, accounting for over 11 million deaths each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged governments to take immediate and coordinated action to address this growing crisis.
*Understanding the Burden of Neurological Disorders*
Neurological disorders affect millions of people worldwide, causing immense suffering, disability, and death. According to recent studies, these conditions are the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) globally, with stroke, migraine, dementia, meningitis, and epilepsy being among the top contributors to neurological DALYs ¹ ².
*The Impact on Global Health*
The impact of neurological disorders on global health is substantial. In 2021, 3.4 billion people experienced a nervous system condition, with neurological conditions causing 443 million years of healthy life lost due to illness, disability, and premature death. The absolute number of DALYs is increasing due to aging and growing populations worldwide ².
*Key Statistics:*
- *Stroke*: The top contributor to age-standardized DALYs in 19 out of 21 GBD regions
- *Diabetic neuropathy*: The fastest-growing neurological condition, with over 206 million cases in 2021
- *Neurological complications from COVID-19*: Accounting for 2.48 million years of healthy life lost
- *Low- and middle-income countries*: Over 80% of neurological deaths and health loss occur in these regions
*A Call to Action*
The WHO's Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders 2022-2031 aims to reduce the impact and burden of neurological disorders. Governments, healthcare professionals, and individuals must work together to ¹:
- *Improve access to treatment and care*
- *Promote brain health and disease prevention*
- *Strengthen research and data*
- *Emphasize a public health approach*
By addressing the growing burden of neurological disorders, we can reduce the suffering, disability, and death caused by these conditions and improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide.
