Resources

Infographics:

Key papers and publications:

What is the collective burden of neurological disorders? (OneNeurology, 2022)

OneNeurology position statement re: EB150/1, agenda item 7: (g) Draft intersectoral global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders (GAP) in support of UHC

Comments of the OneNeurology Partnership on the draft GAP

The OneNeurology Partnership made an extensive joint submission to the consultation on the draft GAP. To accompany this detailed and targeted feedback, we also developed an overarching position with synopsised comments, available to access here.

The first draft of the Intersectoral global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders (2021)

In 2020 the World Health Assembly adopted a resolution on Global actions on epilepsy and other neurological disorders, which requested the WHO to develop an intersectoral global action plan (GAP). In June 2021, WHO published the first GAP draft, developed based on the input received on the discussion paper published in March 2021. The draft GAP outlines the scope, vision, goal, and strategic objectives as well as specific actions for Member States, the WHO Secretariat and international and national partners.
Read the first draft of the GAP here.

Discussion paper for the Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (2021)

In 2020 the World Health Assembly adopted a resolution on Global actions on epilepsy and other neurological disorders, which requested the WHO to develop an intersectoral global action plan. As a first step, WHO developed the discussion paper. It includes the proposed vision, strategic objectives and a set of recommended actions.
Read more

World Health Organization, Consolidated report by the Director-General, A73/5 (2020)

In 2020, the 146^th Executive Board requested WHO to expand the scope of its technical report on epilepsy by adding a new section on “synergies in addressing the burden of epilepsy and other neurologic diseases”.

Key findings: at least 1 in 3 people, of all ages, will have a neurological disorder in their lifetime. Existing high-level commitments have not afforded neurological conditions the political priority on national agendas that they require and fall short on tangible global commitments specific to reducing the burden.

The global burden of neurological disorders: translating evidence into policy (2020)

Provides recommendations and set priorities for policy makers and funding organisations to develop strategies to reduce the burden of neurological disorders, with examples of successful translation of policy into practice.

Key areas covered and findings: disease burden and metrics; proposed framework for levels of access to global neurological services; overview and summary of priorities and recommendations for policy making. Advances in the management of neurological disorders are not keeping up with the increasing burden of these diseases. Steep increases in deaths and disability from neurological disorders will be inevitable unless the accessibility and affordability of health care is improved and more effective therapeutic, rehabilitative and restorative interventions are introduced, in addition to enhanced preventive measures.

NCD Countdown 2030: pathways to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.4 (2020)

Data on cause-specific mortality to characterise the risk and trends in NCD mortality in each country and evaluate combinations of reductions in NCD causes of death that can achieve SDG target 3.4.

Key findings relevant to neurology: the risk of dying from neurological conditions between birth and 80 years of age has increased for more than half of countries worldwide. This makes neurological disorders the fastest-growing cause of death among NCDs.

Global, regional, and national burden of neurological disorders, 1990–2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 (2019)

Analysis from the Global Burden of Diseases 2016 study. It provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date estimates of the global, regional, and national burden from neurological disorders.

Key findings: Worldwide, neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability and second leading cause of death. Over the past 30 years, the number of deaths due to neurological disorders has increased by almost 40%. Approximately 70% of the burden occurs in low- and middle-income countries.

UN political declaration of the third high-level meeting of the General Assembly on the prevention and control of NCDs (2018)

Mental and neurological disorders were included as the “5th NCD” priority area, to complement global efforts to fight cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

ATLAS Country Resources for Neurological Disorders (2017)

Overview of neurological services and provision of neurological care from countries representing 94% of the world population.

Key findings: The available resources for neurological disorders within most countries remain insufficient. In addition, there are large inequalities across regions and different income levels with extremely scanty resources in lower income countries illustrating the need for substantial increase in neurology services and training. Only 24% of countries worldwide have stand-alone neurological health policies

Neurology facts:

There are more than 400 neurological disorders. These include cerebrovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, rare diseases & low priority diseases. By tackling them as ONE we have a better chance of understanding all – cure one, cure many!

Neurological disorders have the highest prevalence, biggest disability & greatest cost among #NCDs worldwide. The #OneNeurology initiative wants to address the common issues faced by those affected. If we unite and act together, we have a stronger voice!

Over the past 30 years, the number of deaths due to neurological disorders has increased by almost 40%. 80% of this burden is occurring the lower and middle income countries. If we want all those living with neurological disorders to get equitable access to care and treatment, we need to tackle the problem as ONE.

At least 1 in 3 people of all ages will have a neurological disorder in their lifetime. Neurological disorders tend to be chronic, life-long conditions. This is a high-priority problem, which warrants a global solution.

In 2010, the cost of neurological disorders was €336 billion in Europe alone – equivalent to Denmark’s GDP. This is the highest cost among all non-communicable diseases and will continue to rise if we do not approach the problem in a united way.

The NCD Countdown 2030 states that the risk of dying from neurological conditions increased for more than half of countries worldwide making them the fastest-growing cause of death among NCDs. If we want to reverse this trend, we must act as a united front and address the burden together