World Health Organization Recognizes Neurologic Disorders As a Distinct Category
The World Health Organization (WHO) was commended by the World Federation of Neurology (WFN) for categorizing neurologic disorders as separate from mental health conditions. This action was taken as WHO considers the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (IGAP). The WHO plan to address the challenges and gaps in providing neurologic care and services to ensure a comprehensive response across sectors.
Previously, the WHO grouped neurologic diseases under the classification of mental health. The WHO is now taking a formal stance that neurologic diseases are important issues that must be addressed outside of mental health by moving forward on IGAP.
Recent data driven by the change detailed the true global burden of neurologic diseases, sourced primarily from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) conducted Global Burden of Disease Study. The study reports on the degree, prevalence, and cost of all diseases and especially neurologic ones. WFN president, William Carroll, cited data that found noncommunicable neurologic diseases (nNCDs) are the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide. In the US, nNCDs affect 14% of the population, which is expected to triple by 2050.
“IGAP is going to be a global means by which to address the looming burden of neurologic diseases. By taking a more holistic and balanced approach to these diseases in IGAP, we hope the WHO and its member states will implement our recommendations, which can lead to improvements in the care and prevention of all neurologic diseases across the board, especially noncommunicable ones,” said Carroll.
"Most importantly, IGAP will raise the profile of neurologic disorders. Once people are thinking and talking about them, organization and advocacy for higher quality care and preventive measures will follow. It’s one of the reasons why the WFN launched our Brain Health Initiative—to educate the public on the importance of brain health. And the World Congress of Neurology is a momentous occasion and ideal platform to demonstrate this,” added Carroll.
Although IGAP originated with an epilepsy focus, it includes all neurologic disorders as well as diseases outside of nNCDs, such as traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, meningitis, encephalitis, West Nile virus, and Zika virus. Carroll of the WFN and others within the Global Neurology Alliance behind the plan are keen to ensure its language and recommendations are balanced to reflect this.