Why does Africa have the lowest number of Neurologists and how to cover the Gap?

PURPOSE: Neurology is one of Africa's central and noble specialties due to the frequency of its related diseases. Through this study we: -1-described the status of neurologists in Africa in terms of numbers,-2-listed the reasons and discussed how to increase their number, and how to get the most benefit of them in healthcare coverage. METHODS: The distribution and number of neurologists in the African continent was acquired from many participants in different African countries using a survey sent between March 2020 and August 2020 by email. Further, data from the World health organization on the number of neurologists was added for the countries, from which we didn't receive answers by the survey. RESULTS: Surveys' answers were received from representatives of 50 (92%) of the 54 African nations. Authors suggest a ranking into four levels according to the number of neurologists per nation. Level A [more than 201 neurologists per country] included 2 nations. Level B [31 to 200 neurologists per country] included six nations. Level C [1 to 30 neurologists per country] including the majority of African countries (36 nations). Level D includes 10 nations without any neurologists. CONCLUSION: The need for reliable and competent neurologists with a sufficient number is considered as a crucial element to enhance the care of neurological diseases in Africa. For this, all African countries should establish new centers of excellence in neurology, by developing good south-south collaboration with supports from governmental and non-governmental institutions.

[Genetic hypothesis involving Haglund's syndrome and its association with ankylosing spondylitis: case report]. / L'hypothèse génétique de la maladie de Haglund, et son association avec la spondyloarthrite ankylosante: à propos d'un cas.

Haglund´s syndrome is characterized by osterosuperior calcaneal exostosis which irritates the Achilles tendon and manifests mainly as posterior talalgia. We here report the case of a 28-year-old woman on follow up for ankylosing spondylitis. Her mother was on follow up for the same systemic disease, and one of her maternal aunts had undergone surgery due to Haglund's syndrome. Patient's delay led to incorrect diagnosis as talagia was considered by physicians as a consequence of her system disease. The patient did not improve under medical treatment. Surgery outcome was satisfactory. This study raises a hypothesis about the genetic and hereditary character of Haglund's syndrome and its relationship with treatment response.