The burden of neurological diseases is greatest in Africa. There are many more people with cerebral palsy, stroke, paralysis, epilepsy, and other neurological diseases than in any other part of the world. With an estimated lifetime epilepsy prevalence of 2 out of every 100 individuals, there are over 28 million people with epilepsy in the region.

Poor obstetric care; endemic infectious diseases like cerebral malaria, meningitis and HIV; a high prevalence of sickle cell disease; a rising incidence of non-communicable diseases; a high rate of road traffic accidents and trauma; and genetic causes of disease, contribute to this big burden of neurological diseases. However, the majority of Africa’s people with neurological diseases do not have access to care.

The result is poor health outcomes and early mortality for conditions that are mostly amenable to treatment and rehabilitation. With 40% of the population being 15 years and below compared to the global average of 25%, the majority of those who bear the greatest brunt of neurological diseases are children. And it is because of them that we exist: to deliver better health outcomes for children, adolescents and young adults with neurological diseases in Africa.