Building a Sustainable Surgical Workforce: A Partnership Between Kenya and Nigeria скачать в хорошем качестве

Building a Sustainable Surgical Workforce: A Partnership Between Kenya and Nigeria

For the past week, ACK Mt. Kenya Hospital in Kerugoya has hosted a team of gynecologists from Nigeria undergoing intensive training in laparoscopy surgery. The program, aimed at enhancing their skills in minimally invasive procedures, is part of ongoing efforts to bridge the gap in endometriosis treatment in West Africa. The team, led by Professor Omotayo Omokanye, an obstetrician and lecturer at the University of Ilorin, Nigeria, has been training under Dr. Joe Njagi, a Kenyan endometriosis specialist based in Kirinyaga. “We’ve had such a fulfilling experience in Kenya, and I would encourage other specialists to take advantage of such opportunities to sharpen their skills,” said Prof. Omokanye, while thanking Dr. Njagi for what he described as a rare and invaluable knowledge-sharing initiative. Dr. Fatima Adeyemi, one of the visiting gynecologists, highlighted the importance of continuous learning for African healthcare practitioners. She praised laparoscopy—a minimally invasive surgical technique—for offering faster recovery and fewer complications compared to open surgery. “The skills I have acquired here will go a long way in ensuring women in Nigeria receive better treatment for conditions such as endometriosis,” she noted. Dr. Njagi emphasized the urgent need to train more specialists across Africa, citing the continent’s severe shortage of endometriosis experts. “This disease continues to affect countless women, yet we lack enough professionals to manage it effectively. Training in laparoscopy is particularly crucial for middle-income countries, as it is less painful, reduces hospital stays, and minimizes complications,” he said. As the founder of the African Centre for Endometriosis, Dr. Njagi underscored the importance of peer-to-peer learning among the limited pool of specialists on the continent. He urged more collaboration to build high-level expertise in tackling endometriosis, which remains a significant health challenge for African women.