Essential to Neuroscience development is the expansion of knowledge and skill for the medical and health care professionals that will perform and maintain high quality neurosurgery and neuroscience care. These individuals will eventually operate the hospital and facilities at The Centre of Excellence in Neurosurgery and Clinical Neuroscience, where the delivery of high-quality care is our mandate for a sustainable neurological environment for Ghana, and all of West Africa.

 The Need

Dr. Felix Durity, Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia and former Head of the Division of Neurosurgery at Vancouver General Hospital, Vice-President of KBNF and Education Chairperson (Canada) initially visited Ghana in November 2002 and based on his findings, a Needs Assessment Report was prepared. His report indicated that, in addition to an immense scarcity of financial and material resources, including neuroscience medical services and equipment, there was more importantly an universal and critical shortage or near-complete absence of neuroscience experts. This severe lack of trained personnel encompasses all levels of neuro-care.

Currently in Ghana, with a population of 20 million, there are only 8 neurosurgeons (3 of whom are close to retirement age). There are no current trainees to fill that anticipated gap. There are currently only 4 trained neurologists in the entire country of Ghana, one of whom is 77-years old.

By Western Standards, Ghana alone needs an estimated 200-250 Neurosurgeons and approximately 400-500 Neurologists. While this number may be unrealistic to achieve except perhaps over several decades, a realistic near-term target of 20-25 Neurosurgeons (1 per 1 million population) and 40-50 Neurologists (1 per 500,000 population) seems achievable and would make a significant and enduring impact.

Features

The Korle-Bu Neuroscience Foundations, Canada andGhana,have established a plan to improve the quality of neuroscience care by initiating a training program to recruit new trainees as well as to upgrade the skills of present Ghanaian Neurosurgeons and Neurologists and to offer advanced neuroscience training to Ghanaian nurses, paramedicals, pathologists, radiologists, anesthesiologists. Full training programs at the University Of Ghana College Of Health Sciences for future Neurologists and Neurosurgeons will also be developed and implemented.

To begin to meet the near-immediate and long-term manpower needs of the people of the region for high quality neuroscience care, a vigorous program of training urgently needs to be developed, funded and launched. A strategy has been devised that will produce a core of competent and academically-sound clinical neuroscience care providers. Over the next 5-10 years, this plan will lead to a gradually evolving independent world class Ghanaian and West African generated and maintained neuroscience service. The strategy involves the simultaneous on-site training of current Ghanaian practitioners, as well as training abroad at appropriate academic facilities for qualified and carefully selected African trainees. The education and training cost over the next five years are projected to be $1.1 million (Can $).

Partners

The Korle-Bu Neuroscience Foundation has received promised support for future educational training programs from:

• The Federation of International Education in Neurosurgery (FIENS)

• Members of the Canadian Congress of Neuroscience (CCNS)

• The current president of the World Federation of Neurosurgery (WFNS)

• The International Surgery branch of the Department of Surgery at the University of British Columbia

• University of Ghana School of Medicine

• The College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana

• The University of Ghana School of Nursing

• The Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital

• The Government of Ghana

A world of opportunity awaits!