Welcome to the WCN 2023 Interactive Program

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Neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability adjusted life years (DALYs) and the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for 9 million deaths per year. The high burden associated with neurological disorders is compounded by profound health inequities. Approximately 70% of people with neurological disorders live in low- and middle-income countries where treatment gaps are large. Neurological disorders are associated with a dire socio-economic impact, affecting individuals, communities, families and societies. Worldwide, people living with neurological disorders and associated disabilities continue to experience discrimination and human rights violations.

The Intersectoral global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders 2022–2031 (IGAP) adopted by the 75^th World Health Assembly takes a comprehensive and person-centered approach, including coordinated services of health and social sectors, with an emphasis on promotion of well-being and overall health, prevention and care of people with neurological disorders. It proposes ten global targets with key indicators that can be used to evaluate overall levels of implementation, progress and impact of the action plan.

This talk will describe the importance of exchange of knowledge across stakeholders to identify steps to be undertaken on essential key actions (e.g, capacity building activities) and identify supporting products such as existing and forthcoming WHO tools addressing the needs of people with neurological disorders across the life course. Establishing the groundwork and promoting dialogue will help countries produce detailed achievable roadmaps with specific, measurable and realistic activities to meet the ambitious targets of the action plan.

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Aims: To investigate the accessibility and affordability of neurological specialty services, the availability of therapeutics, the challenges faced and the three most urgent needs for neurological care.

Methods: Between 2020-2021 the online survey collected data from neurologists in 118 locations; 114 of 123 WFN member societies and 4 locations without a member society.

Results: Respondents had spent a median of 26 years (2 - 43) practising neurology representing a median of 225 neurologists (2 -100,000) per society.

- No neurological nurses or training in 78 locations.
- Of 14 neurological services 15 societies had all services accessible and affordable, 13 had none and 72 had ≥1 services neither accessible or affordable. EEG, Epilepsy, Headache and EMG services were most available; Neurogenetics, Neuropsychology, Neurorehabilitation and Neurodevelopmental services were least available.
- Of 13 classes of neuromedicines deemed readily available (to 70% of the population), 41 societies listed ≥1 and 14 societies ≥3 unavailable. The three most frequent unavailable neuromedicines were second level AEDs (15 societies), Dopamine agonists (21) and MS DMTs (36).
- Of 13 specified challenges, lack of subspecialists and specialty centres were both identified by 60% of societies followed by costs of neurological care, neuromedicines availability and stigma. Ten societies had none.
- 117 respondents named 3 most urgent needs for neurological care. Many listed multiple needs in their 3 with perceptive comments. 482 needs distilled to 22 groups reflecting the strength of opinion numerically and their breadth and depth.

Conclusion: A unique insight into the inequities of neurological care globally and a tool to assist their remedy.