Challenges in the management of hydrocephalic children in northern Mozambique

Abstract

Background: Hydrocephalus in sub-Saharan Africa, including Mozambique, is still a significant health care problem. Methods: Retrospective data from a previous study were used to determine patient provenance, referral patterns, and lost to follow-up rates. Results: Many children with hydrocephalus in this region are not taken to health care facilities for treatment. Reasons include poverty, difficult access, lack of transportation, and erroneous cultural interpretations. Resource limitations in terms of poorly equipped health care facilities and a lack of trained health professionals also contribute. Conclusions: Efforts to improve prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up are of utmost importance in Mozambique.