Stroke Systems of Care and Outcomes in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Stroke remains a leading cause of mortality and long-term disability globally, with a disproportionately high and rising burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). While evidence-based stroke systems of care—including specialized stroke units, thrombolysis, and organized rehabilitation—have drastically improved outcomes in high-income settings, their implementation in LMICs is often hindered by fragmented infrastructure, limited specialized personnel, and economic constraints. Recent data from sub-Saharan Africa, including Tanzania, underscores critical challenges such as high 30-day mortality rates and significant barriers to accessing advanced diagnostics for conditions like large vessel occlusion. Providing a robust evidence base for the unique epidemiological and clinical landscape in these regions is essential for developing effective, localized health strategies.The primary goal of this Research Topic is to address the critical implementation gap in stroke care across LMICs by curating a collection of high-quality research that explores sustainable, system-wide interventions. We aim to move the discussion beyond isolated pilot projects toward integrated national stroke surveillance and standardized care models. This collection seeks to identify scalable strategies for establishing stroke units, utilizing digital registries for real-time data collection, and optimizing clinical pathways in resource-limited tertiary centers. By synthesizing diverse perspectives on service delivery and patient outcomes, we aim to achieve a comprehensive framework that health policymakers and clinicians can use to reduce the global inequity in stroke survival and recovery. Ultimately, this topic will serve as a platform for sharing innovations that translate global stroke guidelines into actionable, culturally nuanced, and cost-effective local practices.We invite contributors to submit original research and reviews that address the systemic challenges and clinical outcomes of stroke care in LMICs. We are particularly interested in manuscripts focusing on the following themes: 1. Implementation science regarding the establishment of acute stroke units in resource-constrained settings.2. The role of digital health and national registries in improving stroke surveillance and data-driven policy.3. Predictors of stroke mortality and functional recovery in diverse LMIC populations.4. Barriers to and outcomes of advanced interventions (e.g., mechanical thrombectomy) in emerging health systems.5. Sustainable models for multidisciplinary rehabilitation and secondary prevention.We welcome Original Research, Brief Research Reports, and Reviews that provide rigorous evidence and practical insights into strengthening stroke systems globally. Topic editors: Mohamed Manji, Robert Gan, Gillian Gordon Perue Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/80400/stroke-systems-of-care-and-outcomes-in-low--and-middle-income-countries