INITIATION OF THE ANATOMY JOURNAL OF AFRICA

Abstract

The initiation of a new African journal of anatomy recently, is a courageous and audacious act. Over the last decade or two, we have seen the diminution of anatomy in curricula, both in medical and paramedical courses. Anatomists have had to stand by, while their discipline was reduced and manipulated in order to give way to “new courses”, “recent advances”, “the explosion of medical information”. However, this new journal, the Anatomy Journal of Africa, bears testimony to the fact that anatomy is alive and well and “living” in Africa! The journal has sought to publish articles in a variety of topics in anatomy ranging from variations in morphology which are of clinical relevance, to histological changes in organs, and most importantly also, anatomical education. Through this journal, new evidence will be brought to light, new information will be shared. This is one of the important roles of the anatomist, providing sound basic evidence on which the principles of medicine, dentistry and the like can be built.