Donation of whole bodies for anatomy teaching: social consciousness, willingness and practices in senegal

While in developed countries the body donation is an old tradition in medical schools, in Africa it is a real socio-cultural problem. Our work proposes to do the assessment of this practice that remains controversial in sub-Saharan region. Historically, dissection and prosection are preferred for teaching gross anatomy and for research. Although the advent of new technologies has created innovative opportunities to explore the anatomy of the human body, the body donation remains essential in our context. However, in Senegal this practice is disturbed by legal, constitutional, cultural, religious, sociological and economic obstacles. The most relevant contribution is the establishment of a clear and precise legislative framework with the help of medical institutions, and the help of experts in law. Moreover, even if the use of unclaimed bodies is a temporary solution, it is important to raise awareness of the interests of the voluntary donation of human body.