A Global Call to Action for Neurology at the World Health Assembly

The Multiple Sclerosis International Federation (MSIF), the OneNeurology Partnership, the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), and Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) have secured WHO approval to host an official side event during the World Health Assembly in Geneva, titled “Delivering on Brain Health: Implementing IGAP and the Political Declaration on NCDs.”

The event will take place at WHO Headquarters on Friday, 22 May, from 13:00 to 14:20, and is supported by the Italian Ministry of Health as a co-sponsor.

Neurological disorders are a leading cause of disability and death globally, affecting more than three billion people, including those living with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and dementia. Many neurological conditions disproportionately affect women, both in prevalence and impact. Yet they remain under-prioritised within national non‑communicable disease (NCD) strategies and health system planning.

The adoption of the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (IGAP) 2022–2031 and the 2025 Political Declaration of the UN High‑Level Meeting on NCDs provide renewed hope and a clear mandate for action.

“There is growing momentum to improve timely diagnosis, expand access to treatment, and strengthen support for everyone living with a neurological condition. We are working together to place brain health at the centre of health systems and ensure everyone is included. This side event will highlight practical, cost-effective actions that Member States c

an take to improve population health and use resources more efficiently, and how stakeholders can partner with governments to advance brain health for all.”

Dr Lydia Makaroff, Chief Executive, MSIF

This event is a collaborative effort to ensure neurology and brain health are firmly placed at the heart of the global health agenda. It aims to:

2. Call on WHO Member States to adopt or update a national neurology plan by 2030, aligned with IGAP, including the establishment of a national focal point and a costed implementation roadmap.
3. Advocate for Member State action on neurological conditions in line with the 2025 Political Declaration on Non‑Communicable Diseases, including integrating neurological conditions and brain health within universal health coverage

Organisations attending the World Health Assembly can register their interest in this event here: https://forms.gle/ZVJuP7UB8nBoLdGa8

Date

22nd May 2026

Location

Geneva , Switzerland