MRI TRAINING IN AFRICA

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G.I. Ogbole¹, A.E. Adepoju¹, A. Ibrahim², T.O. Togunwa^1,3, F.A. Nkeakam¹

1. Department of Radiology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria.
2. Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.
3. College Research and Innovation Hub, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria.

Abstract

Introduction: This article presents an overview of MRI training in Africa, emphasizing its current status and the obstacles it encounters, with a report from a recent MRI workshop held in Uganda in September 2022. Africa’s medical imaging sector faces unique challenges due to limited access to advanced technology, skilled professionals, and educational resources. While some regions have made notable strides in establishing MRI training programs, others struggle with a shortage of qualified MRI technicians and radiologists. These disparities underscore the urgent need for a more equitable distribution of resources and expertise across the continent. The aim of the MRI workshop was to initiate actions to address these challenges. This workshop leveraged the expertise of MRI clinicians and scientists to devise strategies for enhancing MRI training in Africa. The report outlines the key outcomes, recommendations, and initiatives resulting from this collaborative endeavor.

Conclusion: This report offers a crucial overview of MRI training in Africa, highlighting its challenges and disparities. It emphasizes the necessity of coordinated efforts to improve MRI education, ultimately contributing to enhanced healthcare outcomes for Africa’s population

Keywords: MRI, Workshop, Africa, Training, Low-Field

Introduction

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been limited in Sub-Saharan Africa due to resource constraints and a scarcity of trained professionals.1 To address these challenges, the first Sub-Saharan Africa MRI Workshop was organized in Uganda, funded by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI). The workshop brought together delegates from multiple African countries to enhance their knowledge and skills in MRI technology. It aimed to equip participants with essential skills in operating MRI equipment and understanding its clinical applications, including low-field MRI construction principles. The collaborative environment facilitated knowledge exchange and networking, fostering future collaborations and research engagements.

The workshop included theoretical and practical sessions on MRI physics, image acquisition techniques, and specialized applications in various medical disciplines. The hands-on training sessions allowed participants to observe and manipulate MRI scanner parts and understand principles of image acquisition and interpretation under guidance by renowned instructors from within and outside Africa. The success of the workshop holds promise for the region, empowering healthcare professionals and improving diagnostic capabilities, patient care, and medical research opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The experiences and lessons learned from the workshop may serve as a foundation for future initiatives, collaborations, and potential policy developments. By strengthening MRI capabilities in the African region, the workshop aims to bridge healthcare disparities between Sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of the world. It highlights the importance of increasing access to advanced imaging technologies, improving infrastructure, and expanding the pool of trained professionals in low-resource settings like Africa. This premier Sub-Saharan African MRI Workshop is a crucial step towards advancing healthcare practices in the region and promoting equity in healthcare services and outcomes. It may also help to address some of the related educational challenges facing MRI training programs in Africa.