Challenges to sourcing human bodies for teaching and research in Africa: Are the challenges insurmountable?

The teaching and learning of human anatomy by dissection has existed for thousands of years. Over the centuries, evolving ethical considerations for the sourcing of human bodies for dissection have resulted in a transition from the use of unconsented individuals to that of body donors and the institution of body donation programmes around the world. However, major challenges on the African continent have resulted in the continued use of unconsented or unclaimed bodies and the ethical dilemma for African anatomy departments regarding their use. Some of the key difficulties in sourcing donor bodies which exist on the African continent emanate from religious, cultural, societal trust and other confounding factors. This manuscript explores the challenges and suggests ways in which some of these constraints may be overcome. • Ethical sourcing of bodies for dissection remains a major challenge in Africa. • Many anatomy departments in Africa rely on unclaimed bodies. • Challenges to donation are rooted in African traditional religions and cultures. • Societal mistrust may also play a role. • Strategies for reducing these challenges must be found if dissection is to endure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]