Formación neuroquirúrgica en África. Parte 2: desafíos y soluciones para un acceso equitativo a la neurocirugía

IF 0.7 4区医学 Q4 NEUROSCIENCES

Neurocirugia Pub Date : 2026-07-01 Epub Date: 2026-02-16 DOI:10.1016/j.neucir.2026.500754

Ruben Rodríguez-Mena, José Piquer-Martínez, Maria Jose García-Rubio, José Luis Llácer-Ortega, Mubashir Qureshi Mahmood, Jose Piquer-Belloch

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background and objective

Equitable access to neurosurgery remains a critical challenge in East Africa, due to the shortage of specialists and the lack of structured training programs. In this second part, the “Equip, Treat, and Educate” (ETE) model, developed by the NED Foundation, is analyzed to promote sustainable neurosurgical training in resource-limited settings, in collaboration with COSECSA. A series of innovative initiatives with educational and social impact are also presented.

Materials and methods

A retrospective review of the NED Foundation's activities between 2008 and 2024 was conducted, with special emphasis on actions carried out at the NED Institute in Zanzibar. The analysis included clinical data, training programs, institutional cooperation, and outcomes associated with the ETE model, which is structured into three levels of increasing complexity.

Results

During the analyzed period, the NED Institute attended to more than 30,000 patients and performed 2,537 free surgeries, with hydrocephalus being the most frequently treated condition. In parallel, more than 30 medical and nursing training courses were organized. In addition, thirteen key educational initiatives are proposed to strengthen local capacities, including practical workshops, surgical simulations, mentorship, rotational placements, international exchanges, scholarships, online training, and the development of open resources. These actions can enhance training quality, promote talent retention, and strengthen professional networks in the region.

Conclusions

The ETE model, in conjunction with the educational initiatives promoted by the NED Foundation and COSECSA, constitutes an effective and replicable strategy for strengthening neurosurgical training in low-income countries. This approach drives local professional development and enables progress toward more accessible, equitable, and sustainable neurosurgery.

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非洲的神经外科培训。第2部分：公平获得神经外科手术的挑战和解决方案

背景与目标在东非，由于缺乏专家和缺乏结构化的培训计划，公平获得神经外科手术仍然是一个重大挑战。在第二部分中，分析了NED基金会与COSECSA合作开发的“装备、治疗和教育”（ETE）模型，以促进资源有限环境下可持续的神经外科培训。本文还介绍了一系列具有教育和社会影响的创新举措。材料和方法对NED基金会在2008年至2024年间的活动进行了回顾性审查，特别强调了在桑给巴尔NED研究所开展的行动。分析包括临床数据、培训计划、机构合作和与ETE模型相关的结果，该模型分为三个层次，越来越复杂。结果在分析期间，NED研究所接待了3万多名患者，进行了2537例免费手术，其中脑积水是最常见的治疗疾病。与此同时，举办了30多个医疗和护理培训班。此外，还提出了13项加强当地能力的关键教育举措，包括实践讲习班、手术模拟、指导、轮转实习、国际交流、奖学金、在线培训和开发开放资源。这些行动可以提高培训质量，促进人才保留，并加强该地区的专业网络。ETE模式与NED基金会和COSECSA推动的教育倡议相结合，构成了加强低收入国家神经外科培训的有效且可复制的战略。这种方法推动了当地的专业发展，并使神经外科朝着更容易获得、公平和可持续的方向发展。

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来源期刊

Neurocirugia 医学-神经科学

CiteScore

1.30

自引率

0.00%

发文量

审稿时长

60 days

期刊介绍： Neurocirugía is the official Journal of the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery (SENEC). It is published every 2 months (6 issues per year). Neurocirugía will consider for publication, original clinical and experimental scientific works associated with neurosurgery and other related neurological sciences. All manuscripts are submitted for review by experts in the field (peer review) and are carried out anonymously (double blind). The Journal accepts works written in Spanish or English.