Challenges and opportunities facing inflammatory bowel disease in Sub-Saharan Africa: towards a contextually relevant research and practice agenda.

Authors

Sara Cooper, Gill Watermeyer, Dion Levin, Zozibini Mhlaba, Karin Davidson, Charles Bernstein, Dermot P B McGovern, David Epstein

Published in

Journal of Crohn's & colitis. Volume 20. Issue 10. Oct 09, 2026.

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), comprising Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, has traditionally been considered a disease of Western, industrialized countries. Over the past few decades, however, many Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries have experienced significant increases in cases. Yet, IBD remains highly neglected in SSA with most research conducted in high-income settings and treatment guidelines geared towards these settings. An emerging body of research on the sub-continent is highlighting several unique realities, dilemmas, and priorities facing IBD, and the need for evidence-based approaches that are more locally relevant and contextually tailored. In this viewpoint article we synthesize the challenges facing IBD in SSA and propose a research and practice agenda for addressing these, building on several promising initiatives already under way. Ultimately, we make a call to the international IBD community, researchers, funders, and policymakers to recognize the importance of IBD in SSA and join efforts to remedy global disparities in the quality, accessibility, and equity of IBD care.

PMID:
42858147
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 11 Oct 2026.

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