Stroke Realities in Africa: Challenges and Solutions

Stroke is a global public health concern, and its impact is particularly pronounced in Africa, where it poses significant challenges for healthcare systems, clinicians, patients, and policymakers. Yet, in global stroke research and communication, experiences from Africa are severely underrepresented. With increasing life expectancy and changes in life conditions and lifestyle due to climate change and urbanization, stroke incidence and prevalence are on the rise on the African continent. Moreover, stroke prevention and the management of stroke in areas of Africa are uniquely challenging due to specific comorbidities, limited healthcare resources, disparities in access to care, internal displacements of populations due to man-made catastrophes, and specific cultural contexts and factors impacting health and health-seeking behavior. Stroke is a pressing healthcare issue in Africa, yet under-researched and under-represented in the literature. Addressing it requires a thorough understanding and multidisciplinary approach.

This research topic aims to serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation in stroke care, prevention, and rehabilitation in the African context, also by voices less often heard. By inviting contributions from clinicians, researchers, patients, caregivers, policymakers, and non-governmental programs, we aim to provide valuable insights, stimulate dialogue, and encourage stakeholders in Africa to be both producers of and consumers of evidence in the field. The goal is to contribute to a more comprehensive picture of stroke in Africa by compiling a wide range of research articles and contributions. It will encompass various aspects such as epidemiology, clinical care improvements, prevention, rehabilitation, and patient experiences.

To gather further insights into the complexities of stroke in Africa, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Studies related to clinical management, rehabilitation, and prevention
- Qualitative research providing patient-centered perspectives on stroke
- Experiences with shaping healthcare policies and strategies for stroke prevention and care in African countries
- Emerging researchers, healthcare students, and organizations working on stroke-related research, initiatives, neurorehabilitation programs, and community engagement in Africa
- Case studies and clinical observations highlighting unique cases and challenges encountered in African clinical settings
- Studies focusing on the implementation of stroke care guidelines, interventions, organization of care, training, and programs in African healthcare systems
- In-depth exploration of the experiences, beliefs, and cultural factors influencing stroke care and outcomes in Africa
- Brief reports on emerging findings, innovative approaches, and preliminary data related to stroke research in Africa
- Descriptions of training programs, neurorehabilitation efforts, and community-based initiatives aimed at improving stroke care and recovery.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: stroke epidemiology, health inequities, stroke care in under-resourced settings, neuropsychiatric outcomes, neuro-rehabilitation in minimally equipped settings, patient-centered care

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.