Kenya Begins Developing National Roadmap to Fight Stigma Around Neurological Disorders

By Maurice Momanyi

Kenya has taken a major step toward improving the lives of people living with neurological disorders after the Ministry of Health, Aga Khan University’s Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) and Newcastle University launched the development of a national roadmap aimed at reducing stigma surrounding conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders.

The initiative seeks to improve access to healthcare and social support for millions of Kenyans affected by neurological conditions, many of whom face discrimination and misconceptions that discourage them from seeking treatment.

According to health experts, neurological disorders remain a significant public health challenge in Kenya. Recent studies indicate that up to nine percent of Kenyan children are affected by neurodevelopmental disorders, while epilepsy accounts for nearly 40 percent of neurological disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) in rural communities.

The roadmap is being developed through a collaborative process involving policymakers, researchers, healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, caregivers and people living with neurological conditions. The goal is to create practical strategies that will reduce stigma, increase public awareness and improve access to quality healthcare.

Speaking during the launch, Ministry of Health Director of the Division of Mental Health, Dr. Mercy Karanja, said stigma remains one of the biggest barriers preventing patients from seeking medical care.

She said the government is committed to ensuring that every Kenyan, including those living with mental, neurological and substance use disorders, receives quality healthcare as guaranteed under Article 43 of the Constitution. Dr. Karanja added that the roadmap will strengthen collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers and communities to ensure affected individuals receive the support they need.

The initiative supports Kenya’s implementation of the World Health Organization’s Intersectoral Global Action Plan (IGAP) on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders, which calls on countries to establish national awareness and advocacy programmes by 2031.

The roadmap also builds on findings from the British Academy-funded Canvas for Change project, led by Aga Khan University’s Brain and Mind Institute in collaboration with Newcastle University. The research explored how stigma affects people living with neurological conditions through participatory theatre, documentary storytelling and community dialogue.

Aga Khan University Brain and Mind Institute Director Prof. Merali said research should extend beyond academic publications and directly influence public policy and healthcare improvements.

Lead researcher Dr. Mary Bitta noted that experiences shared by patients during the Canvas for Change project demonstrated that stigma can sometimes be as limiting as the medical condition itself. She said translating those experiences into national policy is a significant milestone in improving neurological healthcare in Kenya.

Participants attending the consultative meeting are expected to identify the roadmap’s priority areas and establish partnerships that will guide its implementation, with the long-term objective of creating a more inclusive society where people living with neurological disorders can access timely healthcare without fear of discrimination.