Improving anticoagulation in sub-Saharan Africa -- what are the
challenges, and how can we overcome them?
Abstract
Patients in sub-Saharan Africa generally have poor anticoagulation
control. We review the potential reasons for this poor control, as well
as the potential solutions. Challenges include the affordability and
centralisation of anticoagulation care, problems with access to
medicines and INR monitoring, the lack of locally-validated standardized
dosing protocols, and low levels of anticoagulation knowledge among
health care workers and patients. Increasing numbers of patients will
need anticoagulation in the future because of the epidemiological
transition in the region. We propose that locally-developed “warfarin
care bundles” which address multiple anticoagulation challenges in
combination may be the most appropriate solution in this setting
currently.