Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41131647›Full record

ArticleHuman resources for health2025

Mentorship in African health and clinical research: addressing barriers and building research capacity.

Chioma Adaora Nwalieji, Francisca Ogochukwu Onukansi, Collins Chibueze Anokwuru, Ogechi Vinaprisca Ikhuoria, Stanley Chinedu Eneh, Moses Ifeatu Nwuzoh, Patrick Yila Shaibu, Temitope Olumuyiwa Ojo, Okoli Chukwudinma Chigozie

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Human resources for health, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Chioma Adaora NwaliejiUniversity of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria.
Francisca Ogochukwu OnukansiDepartment of Public Health, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Owerri, Nigeria.
Collins Chibueze AnokwuruDepartment of Public Health, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Owerri, Nigeria.
Ogechi Vinaprisca IkhuoriaSchool of Public Health, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Choba, Nigeria.
Stanley Chinedu EnehDepartment of Community Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun, Nigeria. Stanleyeneh234@gmail.com.
Moses Ifeatu NwuzohYouth in Research Hub, Enugu, Enugu, Nigeria.
Patrick Yila ShaibuIVAN Research Institute, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria.
Temitope Olumuyiwa OjoDepartment of Community Health, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun, Nigeria.
Okoli Chukwudinma ChigozieMedical Lab Services, Hospitals Management Board, FCTA, Abuja, Nigeria.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Mentorship plays a vital role in building research capacity, advancing evidence-based medicine, and fostering innovation in clinical practice, particularly in Africa, where Human Resources for Health (HRH) remain a persistent and complex challenge. Health mentors offer invaluable support by guiding early-career researchers in both clinical and research domains, thereby contributing to the mitigation of healthcare challenges across the continent. Effective mentorship enhances productivity, research quality, and professional networking opportunities. Africa's HRH landscape is marked by significant obstacles, including the brain drain of experienced professionals, outdated research infrastructure, limited funding, and the absence of structured mentorship programs for emerging researchers. The shortage of skilled mentors deprives young professionals of critical guidance, hindering their ability to produce high-quality research and to effectively address pressing local health issues through evidence-based practice. To address these challenges, this article proposes innovative strategies to actively engage young African researchers and establish structured, sustainable mentorship programs that empower them to participate in research-driven decision-making. It also calls on the African Union to adopt policies that prioritize research and allocate dedicated funding for mentorship initiatives. Additionally, leveraging technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) and gamification can enhance mentorship effectiveness, accessibility, and engagement. Moreover, the promotion of international exchange programs would offer young African researchers valuable exposure, broaden their technical skills, and strengthen global networks. In conclusion, strengthening mentorship frameworks, improving research infrastructure, and investing in the next generation of researchers are critical steps toward addressing Africa's health challenges and advancing its scientific leadership.

Indexed as

Biomedical ResearchCapacity BuildingMentoringMentorsResearch PersonnelAfricaEvidence-Based MedicineHumansAfricanBuild capacityClinical practiceClinical researchHuman resourceMentorshipYoung scholars

Identifiers

PMID41131647
PMCPMC12551157

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.