The pediatric autopsy in Africa

Abstract

Context: Within the continent of Africa few countries have been able to practice pathology at the levels present in Europe and the Americas, and pediatric pathology does not exist as a stand-alone specialty. The author was invited by a colleague from Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, to join a group of North American pathologists in presenting a course on the Contribution of Anatomic Pathology for advancing the health of women and children in Africa. The course was held in Ethiopia in June 2011, to review the current state of pediatric pathology in Africa and to provide resources/teaching for improving pediatric pathology services in low-resource settings.

Objective: To provide a succinct description of applicable autopsy techniques and the interpretation of gross, microscopic, and ancillary findings with respect to Africa's need to enhance the health of women and children. The author makes suggestions for obviating possible problems in anticipation of increased demands by national authorities and of public expectations of pathologists who usually have had only general training.

Data sources: This article is based upon the author's personal experience of practicing pathology in Africa for the past 51 years, which has included visiting pathology laboratories in 9 African countries and interacting with colleagues in 18 additional African countries. The contents of this article are derived from personal observations, recent publications, and information gleaned from Internet sources.

Conclusions: Even without specific training in pediatric pathology, it is possible for pediatric autopsies to be undertaken in Africa and other resource-poor settings, in a manner that facilitates sound decision making for improving the health of women and children.