Access to MRI in Africa is a significant challenge. Despite the continent accounting for 25% of the global disease burden, it struggles with a shortage of MRI specialists, limited research funding, and insufficient availability of MRI machines.
Strengthening MRI Access, Research, and Training in Africa (SMARTA) under the leadership of our director, Professor Godwin Ogbole is committed to making a meaningful impact in addressing these challenges. Since 2022, we have made significant progress: organized MRI conferences in Accra and Tanzania, held MRI workshops in Uganda, Accra, and Tanzania, and facilitated MRI-focused MSc and PhD programs. We have established collaborations with 10 MRI centers across Africa and mentored 20 scientists through overseas exchange programs. With the support of 25 mentors from Asia, North America, Africa and Europe, we have up skilled not less than 200 MRI scientists and clinicians.
Our goal is to build a sustainable training hub for African MRI professionals, focused on enhancing practice and research. We are committed to improving MRI access, developing training programs tailored to Africa’s needs, and supporting the establishment of an ISMRM African Chapter.
We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), whose partnership has been instrumental in helping us achieve these milestones. We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to all our other collaborators, whose contributions have been vital to our success.
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