Abstract 211: Building a Stroke Program in Urban Tanzania: Needs Assessment and a Plan to Move Forward
Authors: Nguyen S. , Matuja S. , Mushengezi B. , Mnacho M. , Kigocha O. , Manji M. , Minja F. , Mfinanga J. , Kinghomella A. , Mbuguje E. , Lyimo F. , Jenabi M. , Sheriff F. , Budohoski K. P. 
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally with high social and economic burden that disproportionately effects low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is an effective treatment for stroke but is not available in the majority of LMICs. Tanzania (TZ) lacks MT and has limited access to thrombolytics with very few patients receiving any intervention for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Key stakeholders in TZ are motivated to build a stroke program and provide treatment of AIS, including MT. Here we present the initial needs assessment and model for developing a system of stroke care in TZ.

Methods

A needs assessment was performed in TZ through discussion with a multidisciplinary team. Key leaders from the national hospital leadership, Emergency Medicine, Neurology, Neurosurgery, Radiology, Interventional Radiology, and international stroke teams were involved in discussions regarding current stroke management and goals for the future. Key stakeholders provided insight into the current state of stroke management within their health system, including the referral system within TZ, review of data from an existing stroke registry, review of standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place for patients presenting with AIS. Recommendations for improving access to acute stroke treatment were identified and discussed.

Results

Existing infrastructure and systems within TZ designed to care for patients with AIS include: two newly established, thrombolysis ready stroke units; AIS registry which involves 8 referral hospitals. The barriers to providing AIS treatment include: delayed presentation to healthcare due to lack of public awareness; lack of affordable and rapid access to appropriate imaging; lack of established consulting service between emergency physicians and stroke neurology; lack of epidemiological data as to the true incidence of AIS at the district level, lack of access to endovascular treatment.

A model to develop AIS program in TZ was identified consisting of three partially overlapping avenues and targeted at the public, healthcare systems and medical teams. Public: sensitization of the public with media campaigns and education will be focused on identification of stroke symptoms and knowledge about treatments. Healthcare systems: development of a formalized consultation service between district emergency teams and stroke neurology; development and implementation of new SOPs for diagnosis and access to imaging at the district level; expansion of stroke registry to include district level hospitals. Medical teams: continued mentorship through the World Stroke Organization for neurology on identification and acute management of patients with stroke; development of the first endovascular neuro‐intervention training program in collaboration with Mission Thrombectomy 2020.

Conclusions

There is significant need for a system of stroke care for patients in TZ. Key stakeholders are motivated to establish this system and bring acute interventions, including thrombolysis and MT. to patients suffering from AIS in TZ. This endeavor will require significant effort by many groups, but concurrent efforts in these three domains can help bring this important care to the people of TZ.