Strokes are on the rise in Africa: why the continent needs its own care guidelines

First published November 11,2025,The Conversation Nicholas Aderinto, MD,PhD Student/Graduate Teaching Assistant, University of Utah A stroke is a medical emergency that happens when something prevents the brain from getting enough blood flow. Stroke is now one of the leading causes of death and disability in Africa. Current estimates indicate rates of incidence (new cases) as high as 316 per 100,000 people annually and prevalence (existing cases) of 1,460 per 100,000 – among the highest globally. Yet, most nations lack locally adapted stroke management guidelines. This is unlike high-income countries, which regularly update their national stroke…