Neurosurgery in East Africa: Foundations.

TitleNeurosurgery in East Africa: Foundations.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2018
AuthorsMangat HS, Schöller K, Budohoski KP, Ngerageza JG, Qureshi M, Santos MM, Shabani HK, Zubkov MR, Härtl R, Stieg PE
JournalWorld Neurosurg
Volume113
Pagination411-424
Date Published2018 May
ISSN1878-8769
KeywordsAfrica, Eastern, Developing Countries, History, 19th Century, History, 20th Century, History, 21st Century, Humans, Neurosurgeons, Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Procedures
Abstract

This article is the first in a series of 3 articles that seek to provide readers with an understanding of the development of neurosurgery in East Africa (Foundations), the challenges that arise in providing neurosurgical care in developing countries (Challenges), and an overview of traditional and novel approaches to overcoming these challenges to improve healthcare in the region (Innovations). We review the history and evolution of neurosurgery as a clinical specialty in East Africa. We also review Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania in some detail and highlight contributions of individuals and local and regional organizations that helped to develop and shape neurosurgical care in East Africa. Neurosurgery has developed steadily as advanced techniques have been adopted by local surgeons who trained abroad, and foreign surgeons who have dedicated part of their careers in local hospitals. New medical schools and surgical training programs have been established through regional and international partnerships, and the era of regional specialty surgical training has just begun. As more surgical specialists complete training, a comprehensive estimation of disease burden facing the neurosurgical field is important. We present an overview with specific reference to neurotrauma and neural tube defects, both of which are of epidemiologic importance as they gain not only greater recognition, but increased diagnoses and demands for treatment. Neurosurgery in East Africa is poised to blossom as it seeks to address the growing needs of a growing subspecialty.

DOI10.1016/j.wneu.2018.01.086
Alternate JournalWorld Neurosurg
PubMed ID29702965