About the Journal

Aims and Scope

The West African Journal of Clinical Sciences (WAJCS) is a peer-reviewed, open access journal committed to advancing clinical medicine through the publication of high-quality, evidence-based research. The journal aims to serve as a leading platform for the dissemination of clinically relevant knowledge that improves patient care, informs clinical decision-making, and strengthens healthcare systems, particularly within West Africa and comparable settings.

WAJCS seeks to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice by promoting studies that are methodologically sound, contextually relevant, and impactful for frontline healthcare delivery. The journal prioritizes research that addresses the burden of disease, emerging health challenges, and innovations in diagnosis, treatment, and patient management.

Scope of the Journal

WAJCS welcomes submissions from all major clinical disciplines, including but not limited to:

  • Internal Medicine and its subspecialties (Cardiology, Endocrinology, Infectious Diseases, Gastroenterology, etc.)
  • Surgery and surgical subspecialties (General Surgery, Orthopaedics, Neurosurgery, Urology, etc.)
  • Paediatrics and Child Health
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Psychiatry and Mental Health
  • Family Medicine and Primary Care
  • Emergency Medicine and Critical Care
  • Anaesthesia and Perioperative Care
  • Dermatology
  • Ophthalmology
  • Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
  • Radiology and Clinical Imaging
  • Clinical Oncology

The journal also encourages interdisciplinary clinical research that integrates multiple specialties in addressing complex health conditions.

Types of Manuscripts Accepted

WAJCS publishes a wide range of scholarly articles, including:

  • Original Research Articles
  • Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
  • Narrative Reviews
  • Case Reports and Case Series
  • Clinical Audits and Quality Improvement Studies
  • Short Communications
  • Editorials and Commentaries
  • Clinical Guidelines and Practice Updates (where applicable)

Regional and Global Relevance

While WAJCS has a strong regional focus on West Africa, it welcomes submissions from across Africa and the global scientific community. The journal particularly values research that:

  • Addresses region-specific disease patterns and health system challenges
  • Promotes locally adaptable, evidence-based clinical interventions
  • Contributes to global health knowledge from underrepresented settings
  • Enhances equity in healthcare delivery and access

Research Priorities

The journal gives priority to studies that:

  • Improve diagnosis, treatment, and clinical outcomes
  • Evaluate clinical interventions, therapies, and technologies
  • Address emerging and re-emerging diseases
  • Strengthen clinical protocols and standards of care
  • Integrate clinical practice with public health impact
  • Promote patient safety, quality of care, and health systems strengthening

Ethical and Scientific Standards

WAJCS adheres to internationally accepted standards of research ethics and publication integrity. All submissions must demonstrate:

  • Ethical approval where applicable
  • Scientific rigor and methodological transparency
  • Compliance with reporting guidelines (e.g., CONSORT, STROBE, PRISMA)
  • Originality and absence of plagiarism