Challenges for urology in sub-Saharan Africa in 2006

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) comprises the countries in Africa that do not have a Mediterranean coastline. This region is home to over 600 million people, most of whom are women and children/young adults who live in the rural areas. Most SSA countries are 'poor' and have low average life expectancy. The sub-continent has a low density health workforce and they are required to provide their services mostly under difficult circumstances. Not surprisingly they are the most likely to migrate to greener pastures. Healthcare provision in general is therefore a challenge in this region and urology is no exception. This article explores some of the more significant challenges facing urological practice and training in SSA. These include those challenges to healthcare practice in general (political instability, poverty, poor healthcare and family planning policies and HIV/AIDS) and those to urology specifically (limited number of trained urologists, limited training capacity, limited availability of modern equipment and drugs, non-recognition of men's health as a subspecialty). Brief suggestions to overcome these problems are made and the need for a wholesome review of the political, economic and healthcare policies is emphasised.