African initiatives on stroke and dementia to improve health outcomes and international trial participation
Rufus O. Akinyemi- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Geriatrics and Gerontology
- Neurology (clinical)
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Health Policy
- Epidemiology
Abstract
Background
Globally, 1 out of every 3 persons alive has a risk of developing either a stroke or dementia. 68% of the 78 million individuals projected to have dementia by 2050 will be from LMICs where the burden of vascular risk factors is rising at an alarming rate, stroke occurrence is on the rise and infrastructure for stroke surveillance, prevention, care and rehabilitation are also lacking. There are global initiatives from the World Stroke Organization towards improving primary prevention globally and the recently launched Blueprint for Dementia Research by the World Health Organization has identified six themes and eight drivers for scaling up dementia research with accompanying strategies and timelines.
Method
We describe the development of two African ‐ led initiatives with similar goals of providing platforms for diverse African experts in the fields of stroke and dementia to work collaboratively to improve research, care, prevention, advocacy and build capacity to reduce the burden of stroke and dementia in Africa as well as improve African participation in global research efforts to improve health outcomes and participation in global trials.
Result
The African Stroke Organization (ASO) and the African Dementia Consortium (AfDC) were established in 2020 and 2022 respectively with clear visions and robust governance frameworks organized into steering committees and working groups. Both organizations are currently involved in regional programs and vital research collaborations with international partners.
Conclusion
It is feasible to establish regional initiatives that can enhance diversity in global stroke and VCI research and international trial participation.