Falls in older adults in sub-Saharan Africa: an urgent call for rehabilitation-centred action

BMJ Public Health 2026 Open access

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Authors: Hyacinte Trésor Ghassi, Dilane Landry Muntessu Nsangou, Franklin Chu Buh, Fahim Anwar
DOI: 10.1136/bmjph-2025-004402
Cited by: 1
References: 16

Abstract

As sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces a rising burden of non-communicable diseases, falls among older adults remain largely absent from policy and practice. Despite being the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths globally, falls are rarely prioritised in national health strategies across the region. This neglect is increasingly concerning as SSA’s population aged 60 years and above is projected to nearly triple by 2050, while health systems remain under-resourced and poorly prepared for geriatric care. 1

Fields of Study & Subjects

Balance Gait and Falls Prevention Cerebral Palsy and Movement Disorders Injury Epidemiology and Prevention

Publication details

Journal / source
BMJ Public Health
Publisher
BMJ
Volume
4
Issue
1
Pages
e004402–e004402
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN