Healthcare service provided for headache patients in selected African countries: a cross-sectional survey of clinician perspectives - Report - MDSpire

Healthcare service provided for headache patients in selected African countries: a cross-sectional survey of clinician perspectives

  • By

  • Amr Hassan

  • Freda Dodd-Glover

  • Najib Kissani

  • Magnerou Annick Melanie

  • Sounga Bandzouzi Prince Eliot Galieni

  • Mendinatou Agbetou

  • Kigocha Okeng'o

  • Daniel Gams Massi

  • Evelyne Diarra

  • Agbo Panzo Cedric

  • Chiamaka Edith Okereke

  • Wael Alwachi

  • Osheik Seidi

  • Kadira Abdi Aden

  • Augustina Charway-Felli

  • Emna Ellouz

  • Foksouna Sakadi

  • John N. Jabang

  • Denis Shatima

  • Athanase Millogo

  • Ahmed Allioueche

  • Fatimata Hassane Djibo

  • Tiwonge Elisa Phiri

  • Jamal Barros Baco

  • Grenaba-Duval Lewis Reinier Joël

  • Frighton Mutete

  • Doaa M. Khalil

  • Mona Hussein

  • July 15, 2026

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Clinical Report: Assessment of Headache Management Services in Africa

Overview

This study evaluates headache management services across African nations, highlighting disparities in workforce capacity and access to care. Low-income countries face challenges such as long waiting times and limited availability of essential medications.

Background

Headache disorders are prevalent in Africa but often underdiagnosed and poorly managed. The lack of trained specialists and essential resources contributes to the burden of these disorders. Understanding the current state of headache care is crucial for addressing these challenges.

Data Highlights

Country Income LevelNeurologists per CountryWaiting Time for ConsultationsSelf-medication RateStructural Barriers
LICs10 (IQR: 4.75–34.5)3–4 weeks100%91.7% limited neuroimaging, 83.3% financial constraints
UMICs200 (IQR: 97–700)Data not providedData not providedData not provided

Key Findings

  • Discrepancies in neurologist availability were noted, with LICs having an average of 10 neurologists compared to 200 in UMICs.
  • 50% of clinicians in LICs reported a 3–4 week waiting list for elective neurological consultations.
  • Self-medication for headache disorders was reported universally at 100% among respondents.
  • Structural barriers to care were highest in LICs, including limited neuroimaging (91.7%) and financial constraints (83.3%).
  • Essential headache medications were more likely to be reimbursed in LMICs and UMICs.

Clinical Implications

The findings highlight the urgent need to address workforce shortages and improve access to headache care in African countries, particularly in low-income settings. Enhancing training for non-specialist healthcare providers and expanding insurance coverage could help mitigate these challenges.

Conclusion

The study highlights inequities in headache care across African nations and the need for improvements in patient care.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Neurology, 2026 -- Headache education in Africa: a narrative review of educational programs, clinical practice implications, and policy opportunities
  2. Frontiers in Neurology, 2026 -- Headache service quality in Egypt: current status, identified gaps, and strategic directions
  3. Frontiers in Neurology, 2026 -- Clinical profile of headache attributed to anxiety and depressive disorders: an observational study
  4. NCBI Bookshelf -- Headaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management
  5. conexiant — IHS, ACP Differ on Migraine Tx
  6. Headaches in over 12s: diagnosis and management - NCBI Bookshelf
  7. The global prevalence of headache disorders of public-health importance: a meta-analysis of population-based individual participant data from 41,614 adults from 17 countries | The Journal of Headache and Pain | Springer Nature Link
  8. Migraine care in the sub-Saharan Africa region - Freda Dodd-Glover, Prisca-Rolande Bassole, Chiamaka Edith Okereke, Desmond Koffie, Mashina Chomba, 2025

Original Source(s)

Healthcare service provided for headache patients in selected African countries: a cross-sectional survey of clinician perspectives

  • by Amr Hassan, Freda Dodd-Glover, Najib Kissani, Magnerou Annick Melanie, Sounga Bandzouzi Prince Eliot Galieni, Mendinatou Agbetou, Kigocha Okeng'o, Daniel Gams Massi, Evelyne Diarra, Agbo Panzo Cedric, Chiamaka Edith Okereke, Wael Alwachi, Osheik Seidi, Kadira Abdi Aden, Augustina Charway-Felli, Emna Ellouz, Foksouna Sakadi, John N. Jabang, Denis Shatima, Athanase Millogo, Ahmed Allioueche, Fatimata Hassane Djibo, Tiwonge Elisa Phiri, Jamal Barros Baco, Grenaba-Duval Lewis Reinier Joël, Frighton Mutete, Doaa M. Khalil, Mona Hussein

  • July 15, 2026

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