Perspectives of intellectual disability in Africa: epidemiology and policy services for children and adults

Abstract

Of the many challenges facing persons with intellectual disability in Africa, high prevalence, discrimination, and access to justice and education are key considerations, in all countries, and without exception are coupled with poor resource allocation. The challenges posed by HIV, wars and internal displacement are significant and demand examination by researchers. Opportunities for beneficial research exist between Africa and the centres of academic excellence around the rest of the world. Those centres with the skill and will to collaborate with Africa will be handsomely rewarded by the wide scope of challenges in intellectual disability that are available for scientific enquiry. Opportunities for skills transfer are many and available.

Effect of a classroom-based intervention on the social skills of pupils with intellectual disability in Southwest Nigeria

“…Sub-Saharan Africa is home to a large number of young people with intellectual disability [37]. A major challenge for young people with intellectual disability is a lack of access to education [37, 38].…”

“…Despite the fact that a higher proportion of persons with intellectual disability live in low and middle-income countries [36, 37], very few interventional studies focused on improving outcomes exist in these settings. The few research studies on children and adolescents with intellectual disability in sub-Saharan Africa tend to determine prevalence rates [38].…”

Health conditions and support needs of persons living in residential facilities for adults with intellectual disability in Western Cape Province

“…impaired cognitive and adaptive functioning present from birth or soon after [1] ) in their adult years is a neglected subject in the African context, despite international evidence that these individuals are at greater risk of poor physical and mental health than the general population. [2,3]. This increased risk is exacerbated by the reduced ability of such persons to communicate their needs.…”

“…This increased risk is exacerbated by the reduced ability of such persons to communicate their needs. [3] Furthermore, their wellbeing is diminished by isolation, stigma and limited support provision, particularly on the African continent. [2] The prevalence of ID in South Africa (SA) remains unclear.…”

“…[2] Researchers in the field note that the prevalence of ID is likely to be higher and more debilitating in Africa owing to the effects of poverty and poor nutrition as well as lack of appropriate services. [2,3] In the Western Cape (WC), Kleintjes et al [4] estimated an ID prevalence of 3.05%, of which 2.5% is mild ID, 0.4% moderate and 0.15% profound. Extrapolating the prevalence figure of 3.05% to the population of the WC (reported by Statistics South Africa [5] to be 5 287 863 in 2011) suggests that there are 161 279 individuals with ID in the WC of whom 108 034 are ≥18 years old.…”