Cardiothoracic surgery training in Africa: History and developments

Objective: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, responsible for 17.5 million deaths each year, 80% of which occur in low- and middle-income countries, including countries in Africa. Cardiothoracic surgery, with its heavy financial outlay, is unavailable in many African countries. Many African healthcare givers are under the erroneous impression that the cardiovascular surgical landscape of Africa is blank. This review aims at describing the cardiothoracic surgery practice in Africa, the different training programs in the region, and its future prospects. Method: Through a literature review, the authors elaborate on key points, such as healthcare and cardiothoracic surgery in Africa, African cardiothoracic practice and training, and the future of cardiothoracic surgery in Africa. Results: African countries with established cardiothoracic surgery capacity and training programs still face several challenges across multiple levels, including a persistent low enrollment rate in residency programs, insufficient local expertise, a lack of financial resources, an inadequate health infrastructure, and a skewed health insurance reimbursement system. Thus, there is still a growing burden of surgically correctable cardiovascular disease in these countries. Conclusions: Cardiothoracic surgery in Africa has faced great challenges due to resource constraints, but it has demonstrated resilience and growth through diverse models and initiatives. The burden of cardiovascular diseases in Africa remains high, yet the capacity to provide cardiothoracic surgery is limited. With investment, support, and the implementation of comprehensive healthcare policies, cardiothoracic surgery practice can improve in this region and this can make a significant impact on the health and well-being of its population.