More than 40 percent of the global population-over three billion people are affected by neurological conditions, according to WHO’s first report ever on the issue.
Top 10 includes Blows, migraines, meningitis, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementiaas well as neurological complications associated with birth prior, autism spectrum disorders and cancer of the nervous systems.
Improve healthcare
“With more than one in three people in the world lives with relationships affecting their brain We need to do all we can to improve the healthcare they need“Said Dr. Jeremy Farrar, a WHO-Assisting Director-General.
“Many of these neurological states can be prevented or effectively treatedStill, services remain out of reach for most people – especially in rural areas and underrated areas. “
Despite the number, less than one in three countries has a national policy to tackle the growing burden.
Lack of attention, financing and staff
There are 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.
Just 63 countries, 32 percent, has a national policy on neurological disordersAnd only 34 countries, 18 percent, have dedicated funding to tackle them.
The report found that low -income countries have more than 80 times fewer neurologists than richer nations.
Services out of range for many
Furthermore, essential services are out of reach for most, as only 25 percent of countries include neurological disorders in universal health coverage – while critical services such as stroke and pediatric neurology are often lacking and concentrated in urban areas.
Although neurological conditions often require lifelong care, only 46 countries offer care services and only 44 have legal protection for nursing staff. As a result, Informal carers – who tend to be women – often have no recognition or support.
Governments called on “to make neurological disorders a political priority through bold leadership and sustained investments,” and to expand access to care through universal health coverage.
Other actions include the promotion of brain health and strengthening both health systems and monitoring.
