ICNC2018 Abstracts & Symposia Proposals, ICNC 2014

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Promoting Pediatric Neurology care in Cape Verde – a Portuguese Project
Rita Lopes Silva, Teresa Temudo, Ana Isabel Dias

Last modified: 2014-04-03

Abstract


Cape Verde is a developing African country with 500.000 habitants, 60 %of them under 25 years old. From past history until nowadays, there has been aprivileged relationship with Portugal, namely in Health care. Cape Verde hasone of the best health care indexes of Africa but they don´t have pediatricneurologists. Since 2011, a Cooperation Project has been developed between thetwo central Hospitals and three Portuguese pediatric neurologists. Until now, 4missions took place and recently it was recognized as an InternationalCooperation Project by the Health Governmental authorities of both countries.The main objectives are the assistance of children with neurologicaldisorders and the capacitation of local doctors in its management.The patients are consulted in collaboration with local neurologist (oneto all islands) and pediatricians, improving the diagnosis and treatment withlocal resources and helping in the judicious selection of who need to beevacuated to Portugal. The most prevalent pathologies evaluated were epilepsy,cerebral palsy, spina bifida, developmental delay, hydrocephalus andneuromuscular disorders. In each mission, educational sessions were performed,about these pathologies for local doctors and nurses. Since the first mission, difficulties were experienced in the access todiagnostic exams (neuroimaging and EEG) and to neurosurgery procedures (thereis no local neurosurgeon). In order to improve this situation, the project wasextended and two neurosurgeons joined us.We think that thisCollaboration Project may be a model to develop Pediatric Neurology in Africancountries in order to improve the health care of children

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