Understanding the Healthcare Landscape for Pediatric Epilepsy Patients in Kazakhstan: Challenges and Opportunities

<b>Background</b><br /> Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder affecting millions worldwide, with a particularly high burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Kazakhstan, a middle-income country, the epidemiological situation regarding pediatric epilepsy remains underexplored, especially in terms of treatment availability and healthcare resources. <br /> <b>Objective</b><br /> This study aimed to assess the regional distribution of epilepsy prevalence and the availability of healthcare resources for pediatric epilepsy patients across Kazakhstan. <br /> <b>Methods</b><br />  Using secondary data collected from regional healthcare reports 2023, we analyzed the prevalence of epilepsy, the distribution of epilepsy forms, the availability of pediatric neurologists, and the provision of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) across 16 regions. <br /> <b>Results</b><br /> We found significant regional disparities in epilepsy prevalence, ranging from 54.20 to 4,263.86 per 100,000 population, with the highest prevalence in the Zhambyl and Almaty regions. The availability of pediatric neurologists varied widely, from as few as 2 specialists in some regions to 156 in Almaty. Carbamazepine and valproic acid were the most widely available AEDs, but there were gaps in the provision of other drugs, such as Diazepam and Oxcarbazepine. <br /> <b>Conclusion</b><br /> Our findings highlight critical gaps in healthcare infrastructure and access to treatment, particularly in rural regions, which may contribute to the high treatment gap for epilepsy in Kazakhstan. The study underscores the need for targeted healthcare interventions, increased resources for pediatric epilepsy care, and policy initiatives to address regional disparities in treatment and diagnostic services.