World brain day 2026: Brain health - Access for all.
Publication/Presentation Date
7-18-2026
Abstract
Neurological disorders affect more than 3.4 billion people worldwide and are now the leading cause of disability globally. Despite remarkable advances in neuroscience, substantial inequities remain in access to prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. World Brain Day 2026 adopts the theme "Brain Health: Access for All", calling for coordinated global action to reduce these disparities. The campaign recognises that equitable access to brain healthcare is essential to achieving healthier individuals, stronger communities, and more resilient health systems. It emphasises prevention across the life course, earlier diagnosis, community-based care, workforce development, and advocacy to improve neurological outcomes worldwide. Built around five core pillars and five strategic priorities, World Brain Day 2026 provides a practical framework for governments, healthcare professionals, researchers, patient organisations, and communities to work together towards equitable access to brain health. The campaign reinforces a simple but urgent message: access delayed is potentially access, and brain health, denied.
First Page
126103
Last Page
126103
ISSN
1878-5883
Published In/Presented At
Wijeratne, T., Dodick, D. W., Lewis, S. L., & Trustees of the World Federation of Neurology (2026). World brain day 2026: Brain health - Access for all. Journal of the neurological sciences, 126103. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jns.2026.126103
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
42481348
Department(s)
Department of Medicine
Document Type
Article