Epilepsy treatment in sub-Saharan Africa: closing the gap.
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.
University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Health, 94720, USA. chinj@berkeley.edu
J H
JH
Chin
D017954:Africa South of the Sahara / Q000453:epidemiology; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000191:economics / Q000600:supply & distribution / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D017048:Health Care Costs; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006291:Health Policy; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*
D000927:Anticonvulsants