Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death globally, with a disproportionate burden on low and middle-income countries (LMICs) like those in Africa [1, 2]. While the incidence and prevalence of stroke are increasing in the region, access to essential healthcare services, including post-stroke rehabilitation, remains limited [3, 4]. This disparity is compounded by a myriad of factors such as socioeconomic inequalities, geographical barriers, and a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals [5].
Effective post-stroke rehabilitation is paramount for optimizing functional recovery, minimizing disability, and enhancing the quality of life for survivors [6, 7]. Timely and comprehensive rehabilitation has been shown to reduce dependency, improve participation in social and economic activities, and prevent secondary complications [8]. Consequently, it is a cornerstone of stroke care, contributing significantly to the overall burden of disease [9]. However, the landscape of post-stroke rehabilitation in Africa is marked by substantial disparities. A paucity of research on this critical aspect of stroke care has hindered a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by stroke survivors in the region. Preliminary evidence suggests that factors such as geographical location, socioeconomic status, gender, age, availability of a skilled rehabilitation workforce, and access to healthcare infrastructure significantly influence the availability and accessibility of rehabilitation services [10,11,12,13]. These disparities ultimately impact the functional outcomes and long-term well-being of stroke survivors [14]. This review aims to describe disparities in access to and outcomes of post-stroke rehabilitation in Africa.
