Cardiothoracic surgery training in Africa: History and developments

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Cardiovascular Surgery
• African Healthcare Systems

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease is a leading global cause of death, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries, including those in Africa.
• Cardiothoracic surgery is often inaccessible in many African nations due to high costs, leading to misconceptions about its availability.
• A significant burden of surgically correctable cardiovascular disease exists in Africa, yet surgical capacity is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state of cardiothoracic surgery practice in Africa.
• To describe existing cardiothoracic surgery training programs across the region.
• To explore future prospects and potential improvements for cardiothoracic surgery in Africa.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
• Key aspects examined include healthcare infrastructure, cardiothoracic surgery practice, training programs, and future outlook in Africa.

Main Results:

• Established cardiothoracic surgery programs in Africa face challenges: low residency enrollment, insufficient local expertise, financial limitations, inadequate infrastructure, and flawed reimbursement systems.
• These challenges contribute to a growing burden of cardiovascular diseases that require surgical intervention.
• Despite resource constraints, cardiothoracic surgery in Africa shows resilience and growth through various initiatives.

Conclusions:

• Cardiothoracic surgery in Africa is hampered by resource limitations but demonstrates adaptability.
• Increased investment, dedicated support, and robust healthcare policies are crucial for enhancing cardiothoracic surgery capacity.
• Improving cardiothoracic surgery services can significantly impact the health and well-being of the African population.