Hematology in Africa

Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2016 Apr;30(2):457-75. doi: 10.1016/j.hoc.2015.12.002.

Abstract

This review of hematology in Africa highlights areas of current practice and the immediate needs for development and clinical research. Acute hematological practice is dominated by anemia, sickle cell disease, and the need to provide a safe and rapidly available supply of blood. There is a growing need for specialist services for bleeding and coagulation, hematological malignancy, and palliative care. There are many areas of practice where straightforward measures could yield large gains in patient care. There is an urgent need for good clinical research to describe the epidemiology, natural history, and management of hematological diseases in Africa.

Keywords: Hematology; Iron deficiency anemia; Laboratory hematology; Leukemia; Lymphoma; Sickle cell disease; Sub-Saharan Africa; Transfusion.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Africa / epidemiology
  • Cost of Illness
  • Delivery of Health Care
  • Disease Management
  • Female
  • Hematologic Diseases / diagnosis
  • Hematologic Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Hematologic Diseases / etiology
  • Hematologic Diseases / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'
  • Pregnancy