Haemorrhagic stroke in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo: a neglected
neurosurgical emergency care in a health
system with critical gaps: a mini review
Dublin Core
Title
Haemorrhagic stroke in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo: a neglected
neurosurgical emergency care in a health
system with critical gaps: a mini review
Republic of the Congo: a neglected
neurosurgical emergency care in a health
system with critical gaps: a mini review
Subject
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haemorrhagic stroke, Global neurosurgery
Description
Abstract
Haemorrhagic stroke, caused by bleeding in the brain, is one of the most dangerous types of stroke. It kills many
people and leaves others with lifelong disabilities. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), this problem is
serious but often ignored. While most strokes in wealthy countries are caused by blocked blood vessels, in Africa, a
much larger number are caused by bleeding.
In the DRC, the problem is that stroke patients often arrive late at hospitals, and most hospitals do not have brain
imaging or enough specialised stroke staff to treat them promptly. The country has fewer than 20 neurosurgeons
for more than 100 million people, and most of them work in major cities. People living in rural areas usually cannot
access proper care. Even when patients arrive at a hospital, surgery and intensive care are often unavailable. Stroke
is usually managed as part of general health programmes, but the surgical aspect of haemorrhagic stroke is rarely
included. This results in many deaths that could be prevented.
This paper examines haemorrhagic stroke in the DRC from a neurosurgical perspective. We highlight how
the lack of specialists, equipment, and clear treatment protocols worsens the situation. Simultaneously, there
are opportunities for improvement: training general doctors and nurses in basic neurosurgical care, utilising
telemedicine for advice, and developing national policies that include surgery. Collecting better data and
establishing global partnerships will also be beneficial. Increasing focus on haemorrhagic stroke can save lives and
reduce disabilities in the DRC.
Keywords Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haemorrhagic stroke, Global neurosurgery
Haemorrhagic stroke, caused by bleeding in the brain, is one of the most dangerous types of stroke. It kills many
people and leaves others with lifelong disabilities. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), this problem is
serious but often ignored. While most strokes in wealthy countries are caused by blocked blood vessels, in Africa, a
much larger number are caused by bleeding.
In the DRC, the problem is that stroke patients often arrive late at hospitals, and most hospitals do not have brain
imaging or enough specialised stroke staff to treat them promptly. The country has fewer than 20 neurosurgeons
for more than 100 million people, and most of them work in major cities. People living in rural areas usually cannot
access proper care. Even when patients arrive at a hospital, surgery and intensive care are often unavailable. Stroke
is usually managed as part of general health programmes, but the surgical aspect of haemorrhagic stroke is rarely
included. This results in many deaths that could be prevented.
This paper examines haemorrhagic stroke in the DRC from a neurosurgical perspective. We highlight how
the lack of specialists, equipment, and clear treatment protocols worsens the situation. Simultaneously, there
are opportunities for improvement: training general doctors and nurses in basic neurosurgical care, utilising
telemedicine for advice, and developing national policies that include surgery. Collecting better data and
establishing global partnerships will also be beneficial. Increasing focus on haemorrhagic stroke can save lives and
reduce disabilities in the DRC.
Keywords Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haemorrhagic stroke, Global neurosurgery
Creator
Franck Katembo Sikakulya1*, Larrey Kasereka Kamabu1,2, Kantenga Dieu Merci Kabulo3
, Jeff Ntalaja4
and
Hervé Monka Lekuya2,5
, Jeff Ntalaja4
and
Hervé Monka Lekuya2,5
Source
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-025-01016-w
Date
2026
Contributor
peri irawan
Format
pdf
Language
english
Type
text
Files
Collection
Citation
Franck Katembo Sikakulya1*, Larrey Kasereka Kamabu1,2, Kantenga Dieu Merci Kabulo3
, Jeff Ntalaja4
and
Hervé Monka Lekuya2,5, “Haemorrhagic stroke in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo: a neglected
neurosurgical emergency care in a health
system with critical gaps: a mini review,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 26, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/12939.
Republic of the Congo: a neglected
neurosurgical emergency care in a health
system with critical gaps: a mini review,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed April 26, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/12939.