Child Neurology Fellowship Training: The Kenyan Experience

Objective The burden of childhood neurological diseases in sub-Saharan African is greater than that observed in other parts of the world. At present there is less than one child neurologist for every 10 million people across the region. There are limited opportunities to train child neurologists in Africa to serve the growing population. We sought to determine the intermediate outputs of a child neurology fellowship programme started in Kenya in 2020.

Method We documented the intermediate outcomes of a child neurology programme started in 2020, executed through partnership between three tertiary institutions and in collaboration with other global institutions. We examined for direct and indirect outcomes.

Results Seven fellows have joined the programme since its inception: 2 have completed their training; 2 are in their second year of training; and 3 are in their first year of training: supporting 100% increase in neurology specialists over the period. All the fellows are affiliated to secondary level health facilities in the public sector across 7 counties. The programme has undertaken 6 studies, including 1 clinical trial; all in consideration for publication; and developed 1 programme in the ILAE virtual academy. The programme has also supported training in paediatric epilepsy for 96 healthcare workers. There has been associated scale-up in skills and utilization of genetic, neurophysiological and neuro-radiological diagnostics; and growth in other ancilliary practice areas.

Conclusion Development of locally-driven child neurology training programmes has immediate and sustainable impact in capacity and research, and should be scaled-up in other poorly served regions.