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Epidemiology of cerebral palsy in Malawi

Thembi J Katangwe-Chirwa1,2, Israt Jahan3,4,5,6, Aaron Chitedze7

  • 1Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences in Malawi (KUHeS), Blantyre, Malawi.

Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
|August 21, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Cerebral palsy (CP) in Malawi is largely driven by preventable factors like perinatal asphyxia and cerebral malaria. Healthcare system improvements are crucial to address these causes and reduce CP incidence in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Cerebral palsy (CP) poses a significant global health challenge, particularly in low-income countries.
  • Understanding the epidemiology of CP in specific regions is vital for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and characteristics of cerebral palsy (CP) in children residing in rural Malawi.
  • To identify risk factors and probable causes contributing to CP in the Malawian pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Malawi Cerebral Palsy Register.
  • Community child protection workers identified potential cases, with diagnoses confirmed by a multidisciplinary medical team.
  • Data on demographics, CP subtypes, risk factors, and comorbidities were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

  • The study registered 538 children with CP, revealing a prevalence of 1.7 per 1000 children.
  • Bilateral spastic CP was most common (46.3%), with 90.5% in Gross Motor Function Classification System levels III-V.
  • Perinatal asphyxia (40.5%) and cerebral malaria (12.3%) were identified as leading probable causes, with 42.7% reporting prolonged or obstructed labor.

Conclusions:

  • Preventable causes, including perinatal complications, are primary contributors to cerebral palsy in Malawi.
  • There is a critical need to evaluate healthcare system factors contributing to these preventable causes of CP.
Abstract

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