African neurosurgery part II: current state and future prospects

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Public Health
• Medical Education

Background:

• A survey reveals 500 neurosurgeons in Africa, serving a population of 1.35 million per specialist.
• Significant regional disparities exist, with North and South Africa having better neurosurgeon distribution than other regions.
• The Panafrican Association of Neurological Sciences (PAANS) and national societies represent neurosurgeons, though only six neurosurgery societies exist.

Discussion:

• Training systems in Africa, both local and abroad, present unequal quality and specific challenges.
• Regional disparities in neurosurgeon density highlight critical access and resource gaps across the continent.
• Existing neurosurgery training programs and societies face challenges in quality and reach.

Key Insights:

• North Africa has 1 neurosurgeon per 338,000 inhabitants; South Africa has 1 per 620,000.
• The rest of Africa faces a severe shortage with 1 neurosurgeon per 6,368,000 inhabitants.
• Limited number of neurosurgery societies (six) and training systems with varying quality.

Outlook:

• Optimistic factors include established neurosurgery in North/South Africa, growing neurosciences in universities, and international interest.
• Developing neurosurgery in Africa relies on African neurosurgeons promoting education, integrating the specialty into health planning, and strengthening societies.
• Enhanced inter-African cooperation through PAANS and international collaboration with WFNS and EANS are crucial for training, research, and organizational development.