en |
Epilepsy treatment in sub-Saharan Africa: closing the gap
Chin, J.H.
Abstract
According to World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of epilepsy is highest in low- and lower middle-income
countries, which include over eighty percent of the countries of sub-Saharan Africa, where the majority of people with
epilepsy are not receiving appropriate care. In sub-Saharan Africa, shortages of trained health workers, limited diagnostic
equipment, inadequate anti-epileptic drug supplies, cultural beliefs, and social stigma contribute to the large treatment gap
for epilepsy. The number of people with epilepsy, particularly children, will continue to rise as a result of projected
epidemiologic and demographic changes. This paper examines the state of epilepsy care and treatment in sub-Saharan Africa
and discusses priorities and approaches to scale up access to medications and services for people with epilepsy.
Keywords
Africa, epilepsy, anti-epileptic.
|