Epilepsy Care and Access in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Three-Project Research Programme

A programme of three connected studies examining epilepsy care and access in sub-Saharan Africa. The programme is led by Dr. Phyllis Kimani and brings together qualified academic and clinical researchers across Zimbabwe and Kenya. The three studies are: (1) A mixed-methods study in Zimbabwe on systemic and access-level barriers to epilepsy care. (2) A cross-sectional study in Kenya on healthcare worker awareness, attitudes, and ethical perspectives on emerging epilepsy therapies, including ketogenic dietary therapy, pharmaceutical cannabidiol, and newer anti-seizure medications. (3) A mixed-methods study in Kenya on caregiver support needs, paired with a feasibility pilot of a digital health tool designed to deliver seizure first-aid guidance and caregiver support at scale. Together, the three studies map epilepsy care across the system — from the upstream gaps in clinical knowledge to the downstream realities of caregiving — producing an evidence base intended to support policy advocacy, training, and partnership development across the region. PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR Dr. Phyllis Kimani, MPharm, UK and Kenya Qualified Pharmacist. PROGRAMME STRUCTURE The three constituent studies are registered as separate OSF projects and are linked to this parent record. Each study holds its own ethics approval, recruits its own participants, runs its own analysis, and produces its own outputs. Cross-referencing between studies is built into the programme. COLLABORATORS Academic and clinical research collaborators across Zimbabwe and Kenya. Names will be added to this registration once formal collaboration agreements are in place. STATUS In planning. Constituent studies are in active development; ethics submissions are being prepared. PLANNED OUTPUTS ACROSS THE PROGRAMME - Peer-reviewed journal manuscripts from each constituent study. - Conference abstracts and posters. - Policy briefs for in-country health authorities and NGOs. - A digital health innovation framework document transferable to other research teams. - Partnership materials for NGOs, health ministries, and epilepsy organisations. KEYWORDS epilepsy; sub-Saharan Africa; Kenya; Zimbabwe; healthcare access; emerging therapies; ketogenic dietary therapy; cannabidiol; caregivers; digital health; mHealth; WhatsApp; chatbot; mixed methods; programme.