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Leading the transition to ethical human body sourcing in Africa: The South African experience.
Billings, Brendon K; Kramer, Beverley; Augustine, Tanya N; Brits, Desiré; Hutchinson, Erin F; Libhaber, Elena; Strkalj, Goran.
Afiliación
  • Billings BK; School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. Electronic address: Brendon.billings@wits.ac.za.
  • Kramer B; School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • Augustine TN; School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • Brits D; School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • Hutchinson EF; School of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • Libhaber E; Health Sciences Research Office, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • Strkalj G; Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
Ann Anat ; 254: 152263, 2024 Jun.
Article en En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38588731
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

The use of human bodies for anatomy education and research forms an integral part of the training of health professionals around the world. However, the ethical acquisition of human remains for this purpose has been a challenge in many countries, particularly for those on the African continent. South African institutions have however, been able to progressively transition to a more ethical approach to human body acquisition. The aim of the current study was to investigate the provenance of human bodies and the number used in South African health sciences institutions during the period 2017-2021.

METHODS:

an online self-administered anonymised questionnaire was circulated to all health sciences institutions in South Africa. Questions were focused on establishing the provenance and the associated number of bodies and body donor programmes.

RESULTS:

responses were received from thirteen of the fourteen South African institutions. All thirteen institutions use human bodies for teaching and research, with the majority of the institutions being reliant on bequests (77%) and family donations (62%), and less on unclaimed remains (46%). Most institutions have established body donor programmes. Four institutions were negatively affected by the effects of the pandemic. Memorial services, which continued during the pandemic, were conducted by eight of the thirteen institutions.

CONCLUSION:

South Africa is leading the transition to the ethical acquisition of human remains on the African continent. It is hoped that South African institutions will soon transform to the exclusive sourcing of bodies through willed donation and provide guidance and support for the other countries on the continent.
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Texto completo: 1 Colección: 01-internacional Base de datos: MEDLINE Asunto principal: Anatomía Límite: Humans País/Región como asunto: Africa Idioma: En Revista: Ann Anat Asunto de la revista: ANATOMIA Año: 2024 Tipo del documento: Article

Texto completo: 1 Colección: 01-internacional Base de datos: MEDLINE Asunto principal: Anatomía Límite: Humans País/Región como asunto: Africa Idioma: En Revista: Ann Anat Asunto de la revista: ANATOMIA Año: 2024 Tipo del documento: Article