New data re: African medical school landscape published in BMJ Global Health

28 February, 2024

Dear HIFA,

We are delighted to share that our article, “Medical schools in Africa: seeing momentum,” has been published in BMJ Global Health [ https://gh.bmj.com/content/9/2/e014468 ]. After finding that the data on the current medical school landscape in Africa was outdated and incomplete, we sought to update it. Our research identified 444 medical schools in Africa, a 160+% increase from the previous estimate of 169 schools in 2010.

Medical schools are crucial to training and preparing the next generation of clinicians and an essential part of the health system. Without data on the landscape, it is challenging for public health planners to assess and monitor progress. Continued tracking is crucial to spur investments and grow and retain a health workforce that meets the health care needs of the population it serves.

The updated list we have produced and published serves as a public good to inform decision making on medical training in Africa. We are eager to continue supporting the development of new resources and evidence that can aid under-resourced health systems and workforces move toward health equity.

Finally, we would like to thank our donors who continue to invest in our work and the incredibly talented team of authors that contributed to the piece.

Thank you,

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Sara Pellegrom, MPH (she/her) | Senior Project Manager, Better Evidence | Ariadne Labs

Brigham and Women's Hospital | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

spellegrom@ariadnelabs.org |

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