Neurovascular Disorders in the MENA Region: A Critical Healthcare Challenge

Neurovascular Disorders in the MENA Region

A Critical Healthcare Challenge

Comprehensive analysis of stroke and cerebrovascular disease burden across the Middle East and North Africa region, revealing urgent needs for improved care and prevention strategies.

🚨 Regional Health Alert

The MENA region faces a mounting crisis in neurovascular care, with stroke rates comparable to high-income countries but affecting a much younger population, creating an unprecedented healthcare burden.

Regional Stroke Burden: Key Statistics

7.3M
Total Stroke Cases (2019)
Prevalent cases across the MENA region with 95% UI: 6.8-7.9 million
87.7
Age-Standardized Death Rate
Per 100,000 population (95% UI: 78.2-97.6) in 2019
312K
Annual Deaths
Stroke-related deaths in 2019 (95% UI: 278.5-349.7 thousand)
1,538
Prevalence Rate
Per 100,000 population (95% UI: 1,421.9-1,659.9) in 2019
7.9M
Total DALYs
Disability-adjusted life years lost in 2019 (95% UI: 7.1-8.9 million)
101%
Increase Since 1990
New stroke cases increased by 101.2% from 1990 to 2021

The Hidden Crisis: Young Population Impact

Unlike high-income countries, the MENA region’s stroke burden disproportionately affects younger populations, creating a unique healthcare emergency.

Age Demographics Comparison

MENA region vs. Global averages

Higher
Burden in Under-30s vs Global
59-71
Mean Age Range (Years)
56.9
Youngest Mean Age (Qatar/KSA)
75%
Studies Show Male Predominance

Economic Impact

Stroke affecting younger populations means decades of lost productivity, higher treatment costs, and increased family burden compared to elderly-onset strokes in developed countries.

Healthcare System Strain

Early-onset strokes require longer-term care, rehabilitation services, and complex family support systems that strain already limited healthcare resources.

Social Consequences

Young stroke survivors face unique challenges including career disruption, family planning concerns, and long-term disability management in societies with limited support systems.

Country-Specific Burden Analysis

Egypt
  • Prevalence: 963 per 100,000 inhabitants (highest crude rate)
  • Population: 85.5+ million (most populated MENA nation)
  • Neurologists: 4.3 per 100,000 (highest density in region)
  • Annual cases: Up to 250,000 estimated new strokes
  • Major challenge: Limited thrombolysis coverage due to insurance gaps
Saudi Arabia
  • Higher than expected burden relative to socioeconomic status
  • Mean stroke age: 56.9-58 years (younger than regional average)
  • High BMI identified as major risk factor
  • Improved stroke incidence rates after 2010
  • 28-day mortality varies significantly by facility
UAE
  • 582.5% increase in new stroke cases (1990-2021)
  • 50% reduction in stroke death rates (most successful in region)
  • High sociodemographic index but elevated DALYs historically
  • Rapid demographic changes affecting stroke patterns
  • Advanced healthcare infrastructure development
Iran
  • Incidence range: 16-162 per 100,000 (wide regional variation)
  • Rising incidence: 84.16 to 103.23 per 100,000 over 4 years
  • 28-day mortality: Up to 31.5% (highest in region)
  • Women affected at younger ages (59-63) than men (61-66)
  • Significant improvements in burden reduction since 1990
Iraq
  • Higher than expected burden for socioeconomic level
  • Male predominance in stroke cases
  • Healthcare system challenges due to regional instability
  • Limited neurologist availability (numbers not estimated)
  • Significant improvements in recent burden trends
Sudan
  • Lowest neurologist density: 0.1 per 100,000 population
  • Highest age-standardized stroke rates in low SDI group
  • Limited healthcare infrastructure and resources
  • Estimated 1,000+ annual new stroke cases
  • Significant healthcare access challenges

Primary Risk Factors in MENA Region

🩸 High Blood Pressure

#1 Risk Factor – Both Male & Female

⚖️ High BMI

#2 Risk Factor – Rapidly Growing

🌫️ Air Pollution

#3 Risk Factor – Particulate Matter

🚬 Tobacco Use

Major Factor – Regional Variations

🍽️ Dietary Risks

High Sodium, Poor Nutrition

🩺 Diabetes

High Prevalence – 69% Screening Rate

Critical Healthcare Challenges

Limited Thrombolysis Access

Very low thrombolysis rates across the region due to cost barriers, insurance coverage gaps, and limited availability in non-urban areas.

Neurologist Shortage

Severe shortage of specialists, ranging from 0.1 to 4.3 per 100,000 population, with many countries unable to estimate their capacity.

Infrastructure Gaps

Limited stroke units, inadequate emergency response systems, and insufficient diagnostic capabilities outside major urban centers.

Prevention Programs

Only 69% of countries screen for stroke risk factors, with smoking screening as low as 37.5% despite high regional prevalence.

Data Collection Systems

Insufficient stroke registries and data collection systems to track outcomes, inform policy, and measure improvement efforts.

Young Population Impact

Unlike global patterns, MENA’s younger stroke population creates unique challenges for treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care planning.

Urgent Action Required

The neurovascular crisis in the MENA region demands immediate, coordinated action to address the growing burden of stroke and cerebrovascular disease affecting our younger populations.

Join the Regional Response

Priority Actions Needed:

• Establish comprehensive regional stroke registries for data-driven policy making
• Expand thrombolysis access through improved insurance coverage and healthcare financing
• Increase neurologist training programs and specialist capacity building
• Implement population-wide prevention programs targeting regional risk factors
• Develop telemedicine networks to extend specialist care to underserved areas
• Create regional research collaborations to address unique population needs