WHO Warns 3 Billion Suffer from Headaches
Over 3 billion people globally struggle with headache disorders, according to a new WHO report. Headache disorders’ global impact is immense, affecting work, mental health, and daily life. Women are disproportionately affected due to hormonal factors.
Headache disorders often start in childhood and continue into adulthood. Migraines, tension-type headaches, cluster headaches, and medication-overuse headaches are the most common types. Migraines may include nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity. Tension headaches feel like tight pressure around the head. Cluster headaches cause severe pain around one eye. Excessive painkiller use can also trigger headaches.
Impact and Challenges
Headache disorders rank among the top three neurological conditions worldwide, after stroke and neonatal encephalopathy. About 40% of people experience recurrent headaches, but many remain undiagnosed. Lack of trained healthcare providers and limited access to medications make treatment difficult. Misperceptions about headaches being minor ailments worsen the problem.
WHO Action and Recommendations
The WHO has prioritized headache disorders in its Global Action Plan 2022–2031. The plan aims to improve diagnosis, access to treatment, research, and patient education. Simple lifestyle changes help manage headaches. Staying hydrated, following regular sleep routines, limiting alcohol, and tracking triggers in a diary are effective low-cost strategies.
The WHO continues to promote awareness and urges countries to include essential headache medicines in healthcare systems. Increased attention and early treatment can reduce the burden on individuals, families, and society.
