A World Health Organization perspective on neurology and neuroscience

Two of the key constitutional responsibilities of the World Health Organiza tion (WHO) are research and promotion of research in different areas of hea lth and fostering cooperation among scientific and professional groups that contribute to the advancement of health.(1) Although often seen as a highl y specialized area of medicine, neurology has been included in the WHO rese arch programs for more than 2 decades. Over the years, WHO has particularly focused on neurological disorders of public health importance, ie, disorde rs that occur frequently, cause substantial disability, and create a burden on individuals, families, communities, and societies all over the world.(2 ).