Network analysis of cross-income-level collaboration on multiple myeloma in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Cross-income-level collaboration (CILC) is crucial for developing global health approaches that benefit low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Multiple myeloma (MM) is a representative example of a complex, understudied disease in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Based on publications, we developed a network analysis tool to assess scientific collaborations. Here, we present findings from a systematic analysis of publications retrieved from PubMed between January 2002 and June 2022. We evaluated individual institutional contributions and collaboration patterns using undirected weighted networks. Our findings reveal that intra-income-level collaborations dominate MM research in SSA, with high-income countries (HICs) primarily engaging with a few local institutions, mainly in South Africa and Nigeria. Increasing CILC is essential to advance research in this area. Our analysis tool provides insights into the collaboration strength, highlights gaps in the field and identifies leading institutions, ultimately aiming to support the development of more effective international collaboration and research strategies.