The Global Brain Campaign launched in September 2024 as the worldwide campaign to elevate brain health to the top of global health and economic agendas. Officially announced at the high-level side event, Neuroscience and Society: A Life Course Approach to Brain Health,  at the Science Summit of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, the campaign brings together leading players in brain health and builds on growing momentum in brain health policy. 

Brain disorders – encompassing neurological diseases and disorders and mental illnesses – are widespread, disabling, and difficult to treat. It is estimated that more than three billion people worldwide live with a neurological condition and 970 million people around the world were living with a mental health disorder as of 2019. These conditions represent a high individual, social and economic burden and contribute immensely to the global burden of disease – in fact, as of 2024, neurological conditions alone are now the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide. 

We need to act now. Addressing the burden not only affects the lives of those living with and affected by brain conditions. Optimal brain health also allows people to thrive: to live in health and in happiness, to power our labor markets and economies, and to build for future generations