The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarm over the growing global mental health crisis, revealing that more than 3 billion people worldwide suffer from neurological and mental health problems.
The agency warned that millions die each year due to inadequate treatment and lack of access to proper care.
According to the latest WHO report, over 3 billion people are living with neurological or mental health disorders globally, while more than 11 million deaths occur annually as a result of these conditions.
Despite the magnitude of the issue, only 63 countries have a national policy for neurological diseases, and just 34 nations allocate specific funding to tackle them. WHO officials said this gap highlights the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to prioritize mental health care and research.
Unequal access to mental health services
The WHO report pointed out that while mental and neurological disorders can be diagnosed and treated effectively, millions of people — particularly in low-income and rural areas — remain deprived of care.
Barriers such as limited healthcare infrastructure, poverty, and social stigma prevent many from seeking help. The organization stressed that timely diagnosis and treatment could prevent countless deaths and improve quality of life for millions.
WHO official calls for urgent action
WHO Assistant Director-General Jeremy Farrar expressed grave concern over the findings, saying that “more than a third of people worldwide are facing mental health problems, and we must do everything possible to ensure their wellbeing.”
He emphasized that the lack of investment in research, healthcare infrastructure, and trained professionals in low-income countries continues to widen the treatment gap.
According to Farrar, the number of neurologists in low-income countries is 80 times lower than in wealthier nations. This disparity leaves millions without access to essential neurological care, worsening the global burden of mental health disorders.
The WHO urged governments to take evidence-based and coordinated actions to scale up care, improve access, and make mental health a policy priority across all health systems.
