Building medical toxicology capacity in Africa:
a review and strategic perspective on the
need for fellowship training programs

Building medical toxicology capacity in Africa:
a review and strategic perspective on the
need for fellowship training programs

Poisoning, Africa, Medical toxicology, Fellowship, Capacity building

Abstract
Introduction Toxic exposures and poisoning constitute a substantial but underestimated public health hazard
throughout Africa, for which pesticides, drugs, traditional medicine, snake venom, and industrial chemicals are a
disproportionate cause of avoidable disease and death.
Methods This narrative review takes into account existing global models of toxicology education while considering
African epidemiology and the constraints of its healthcare systems.
Main findings Partly due to this disparity between burden and capacity, medical toxicology is not well established
on the continent as a whole, with minimal diagnostic capability, few toxicovigilance programs, and no established
fellowship training programs or poison centers. While there are advancements in global models of toxicology
education, African researchers should work on a context and locally adapted solution that considers its epidemiology
and the constraints of its healthcare system. Fellowship programs supported by governments, academia, and
international donors can enhance patient outcomes, strengthen public health surveillance, and support health
system resilience.
Conclusion This review highlights the current toxicological landscape in Africa, the capacity gap in clinical and
public health, and presents a strategic framework for setting up medical toxicology fellowship programs in response
to the African reality.
Keywords Poisoning, Africa, Medical toxicology, Fellowship, Capacity building

Belayneh Dessie Kassa1*

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-025-01098-6

2026

peri irawan

pdf

english

text