Stroke in Sub-Saharan Africa: an Urgent Call for Prevention

Abstract

We read Dr. Chin's1 article describing the current situation in Mulago Hospital in Uganda. We have also sounded the alarm on this problem.2 Recent data show a stroke prevalence of 4.6/1,000 in our country, Benin.3 With an estimated population of 9 million, there are 2 neurologic departments. In the capital, Cotonou, there are 14 beds. The second is in Parakou, with 6 beds, and 2 are allocated to strokes. There are no MRI facilities and 3 CT scanners. None of these units can conduct vascular sequences.