Notes on the Recent History of Neuroscience in Africa

Abstract

Neuroscience began with neuroanatomy and neurosurgery in Egypt more than 5000 years ago. Knowledge grew over time and specialized neurosurgery centers were established in north Africa in the eleventh century. However, it was not until the twentieth century that neuroscience research became established in sub-Saharan Africa. In most African countries, clinical research focused on understanding the rationale and improving treatment of epilepsy, infections, nutritional neuropathies, stroke and tumors. Significant advances were made. In the twenty-first century, African knowledge expanded to include all branches of neuroscience, contributing to genetic, biochemical and inflammatory determinants of brain disorders. A major focus of basic neuroscience research has been, and is, investigation of plant extracts, drugs and stress in animal models, providing insight and identifying potential novel therapies. A significant event in the history of African neuroscience was the founding of the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa (SONA) in 1993. The International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) supported SONA conferences, as well as workshops and neuroscience training schools in Africa. Thanks to their investment, as well as that of funding agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), International Society for Neurochemistry (ISN), World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS), World Federation of Neurology (WFN) and the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), neuroscience research is well-established in Africa today. However, in order to continue to develop, African neuroscience needs continued international support and African neuroscientists need to engage in policy and decision-making to persuade governments to fund studies that address the unique regional needs in Africa.

Two decades of neuroscience publication trends in Africa

“…Moreover, the continent has the world’s largest human genetic diversity, with important implications for understanding human diseases 2 , including neurological disorders 3 , 4 . However, even though early progress in neuroscience began in Egypt 5 , Africa’s research capacity in this area has not kept pace with the developments in the field 6 . The reasons for this are diverse, and include low funding 1 , inadequate research infrastructure 7 , the relatively small number of active scientists 8 , and their high level of administrative and teaching load [9, 10 .…”

Epilepsy research in Africa: A scoping review by the ILAE Pediatric Commission Research Advocacy Task Force

“…Epilepsy in Africa is a significant challenge, particularly in children, who make up at least 50% of the population in most regions 2–4 . Compared to better resourced regions, availability of data on epilepsy from Africa is wanting, and strategies to reverse these trends are needed urgently 65,66 …”

Neuroscience education in Africa, prospects and challenges

“…[39] Science-based non-profit organizations have sponsored training courses and workshops in neurosurgery, neurology, and basic neuroscience around Africa to support African neuroscientists and help build capacity for education and research. [1] In Morocco and South Africa, International Brain Research Organization African Centres for Advanced Neuroscience Training have been established. World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies recognized Centres of Excellence for teaching neurosurgeons have also been established in Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.…”

“…Neuroscience education in Africa started with the study of neuroanatomy and neurosurgery about 5000 years ago in Egypt. [1] Through the mummification process, Egyptian embalmers were the first to learn about human anatomy. They had little regard for the brain and made no attempt to preserve it.…”