Historical, Cultural, and Structural Barriers for Cardiac Surgery in Sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons Learned From Angola.

Abstract

Cardiac surgery (CS) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) faces unique challenges that go beyond resource scarcity. Historical, cultural, and structural barriers continue to hinder the development of the specialty in SSA, impacting professional accreditation and the organization of healthcare systems. The colonial legacy of the subcontinent has shaped health systems in ways that often sustain external dependency, limiting local autonomy, which is particularly true for a high-resource subspecialty such as CS. Additionally, cultural resistance, the undervaluation of the specialty, and a lack of institutional recognition create a difficult environment for African cardiac surgeons. Based on the recent experience in Angola, this article explores these challenges and highlights the need for context-specific solutions, including strengthening local training, improving hospital governance, and prioritizing CS as a public health necessity. Understanding these obstacles and their potential solutions is crucial to fostering sustainable progress and ensuring equitable access to cardiovascular care in the region and in similar environments.