COSECSA Global Surgery Researchers
Meet our researchers under the COSECSA Global Surgery Mentorship Program, undertaking research on various topics and surgical specialties across Africa. With adequate resources and mentorship, COSECSA can produce and facilitate use of evidence in the region.
Should you be interested to mentor a researcher or fund our program, please email Dr Godfrey Sama Philipo at: rpo.coordinator@cosecsa.org
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Dr. Kabelele Sipalo
Zambia
- Projects
- Investigating the incidence of Head injuries in Eastern Province, Zambia and surgical Outcomes
- Determinants Of Post Operative Myelomeningocele Wound Dehiscence Among Patients Operated On At The University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
- Publications
- Muller R, Sipalo K, Beals C, Chazura A, Chola S, Garcia R, et al. Barriers to Timely Referral of Children Born with Myelomeningocele in Zambia. J Clin Med. 2025 Aug 13;14(16):5721. doi:10.3390/jcm14165721
- Funding
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Dr. Mackson Mwaungulu
Malawi
- Publication
- Mwaungulu M, Patrick Noah, Godfrey Sama Philipo, and Chikumbutso Clara Mpanga. "Patterns Of Orthopedic Injuries among Motorcycle Trauma Patients in Malawi." East and Central African Journal of Surgery, December 31, 2024. doi.org/10.4314/ecajs.v29i4.4 (opens in a new tab)
- Funding
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Dr. Masawa K. Nyamuryekung'e
Tanzania
- Project
In-hospital outcomes of infants with esophageal atresia and trachea-esophageal fistula at a tertiary referral hospital in Tanzania
- Publications
- Nyamuryekung'e MK, Nyamuryekung'e KK, Bokhary Z, Philipo GS, Lakhoo K. Time to Surgery and Early Outcomes in Neonatal Intestinal Atresia: Experience From Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania. East Cent Afr J Surg. 2025 Oct 1;30(3):13–21. doi:10.4314/ecajs.v30i3.3
- Nyamuryekung'e MK, Philipo GS, Bokhary Z, Lakhoo K. Addressing the Critical Shortage of Pediatric Surgical Care Providers in Sub-Saharan Africa: Reflections from the Region's First Hub. East Cent Afr J Surg. 2025 Dec 31;30(4). doi:10.4314/ecajs.v30i4.9
- Funding
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Dr. Timothy Jumbi
Kenya
- Publication
- Okebe, Sarah, Francis Osawa, Peter Mwika, and Timothy Jumbi. "Is Uroflowmetry a Valuable Tool for Posterior Urethral Valve Ablation Follow-Up? A Single Centre Study in Africa on Voiding Patterns and Outcomes." East and Central African Journal of Surgery 29, no. 4 (December 31, 2024): 1–8. doi.org/10.4314/ecajs.v29i4.2 (opens in a new tab)
- Funding
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Dr. Wongel Tena Shale
Ethiopia
- Project
Implementation of "Enhanced Recovery after Surgery" (ERAS®) protocol in a Low Income Settings
- Publications
- Shale WT, Sahilemariam AT, Nureta TH, Moges TG, Keno EK, Demissie WR, et al. Adaptation of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol for Elective Gastrointestinal and Hepatopancreaticobiliary Surgeries for Tertiary Hospitals in Ethiopia: A Modified Delphi Study. World J Surg. n/a(n/a). doi:10.1002/wjs.70274
- Funding
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Dr KUBWIMANA Olivier
Rwanda
- Projects
- Outcomes of Geriatric Fractures in Rwanda
- Analysis of Orthopedic Surgery e-Logbook Data to Evaluate Surgical Training Exposure, Competency Progression, and Training Equity in East, Central, and Southern Africa
- Publication
- Kubwimana O, E. Muvunyi, Philipo GS, "Outcomes of Geriatric distal radius fractures at CHUB: A Cross-section study". East African Orthopedic Journal, 2025
- Funding
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Dr Racheal Kirabo
Uganda
- Project
Impact of Frailty on postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing major surgery in Mulago Hospital
- Funding
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Dr. Ngam, Blessing Ngoin
Cameroon
- Projects
- Evidence Supporting Performance Measures Of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Using A Novel Low-Cost Training System
- Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy For Wound Care In A Resource-Limited Setting
- Publications
- Ngam BN, Tchinde NMJ, Kim E, Snell MJ, Aliyeva L, Yu BJ, et al. The Impact of a Self-Directed, Low-Cost Laparoscopic Simulation-Based Training Model Among Surgical Trainees in Cameroon. World J Surg. 2026 Jan 9;wjs.70219. doi:10.1002/wjs.70219
- Ngam BN, Snell MJ, Kim GJ. Advancing Minimally Invasive Surgical Education in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: How I Learned Laparoscopy. World J Surg. 2026 Mar 3;wjs.70295. doi:10.1002/wjs.70295
- Funding
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Dr. Joseph Mkandawire
Malawi
- Project
In Adults Presenting For Surgery, How Does Good 6 Minute Walk Test (6Mwt) Scores Compared To Poor Test Scores Impact The Surgical Decisions & Outcomes?
- Funding
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Dr. LELE MUTOMBO Fabrice
Tanzania
- Project
Predictors Of Mortality And Development Of A Predictive Score In Geriatric Surgical Patients: A 5 Years Retrospective Cohort Study
- Funding
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Dr. Violet Kemunto Otoki
Kenya
- Project
Trauma Registry And Outcomes Assessment At Tenwek Hospital: A Catalyst For Surgical Systems Improvement
- Publications
- Otoki K, et al. Laparoscopic appendectomy improves outcomes and reduces costs in rural Kenya. Surg Endosc 2025. doi.org/10.1007/s00464-025-11589-5 (opens in a new tab)
- Funding
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Dr Thierry Cyuzuzo
Rwanda
- Project
Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Preoperative Malnutrition Among Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip And Palate In Rwanda
- Publications
- Cyuzuzo T, Nshumuyiki J, Niyihuza CD, Mukagaju F, Shyaka I, Nezerwa Y, Furaha C, Reilly DA, Rickard J, Vyas RM, Ntirenganya F. Prevalence and Factors Associated With Preoperative Malnutrition Among Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and Palate in Rwanda. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2026 Jan 27;14(1):e7423. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000007423
- Cyuzuzo, T., & Ntirenganya, F. (2025). Cooking Gas Explosion and Burn Accidents in Kigali: Epidemiological Profile and outcomes of patients admitted to the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK). East and Central African Journal of Surgery, 30(2), 11–18. doi.org/10.4314/ecajs.v30i2.3 (opens in a new tab)
- Funding
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Dr. Faraja M. Magwesela
Tanzania
- Project
Randomized Controlled Trial On Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Conventional Wound Care In Treatment Of Wounds
- Funding
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Dr. Misha Abayneh
Ethiopia
- Project
Assessment Of Training Environment Of Plastic, Reconstructive And Hand Surgery In Ethiopia: Qualitative Method Study
- Publications
- Lemma, M.A., Worku, B.A., Bayou, R.K., Nthumba, P.M., Osoo, M.O., Onyango, O.O., Philipo, G.S., Prisno, D.E., 2026. Assessment of Training Environment of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Hand Surgery in Ethiopia. Plast. Reconstr. Surg. - Glob. Open 14, e7763. doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000007763 (opens in a new tab)
- Lemma MA, et al. Surgical Management of Gestational Gigantomastia: A Case Report Highlighting Therapeutic Intervention. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open 2025;13:e6446. doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000006446 (opens in a new tab)
- Funding
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Dr. Amarylis Mapurisa
Malawi
- Project
Improving Follow-Up and Early Surgical Intervention for Children with Hirschsprung's Disease at Kamuzu Central Hospital, Malawi
- Funding
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Dr JC Allen Ingabire
Rwanda
- Project
Impact of High-Fidelity Simulation on the Management of Open Fractures for Medical Students in Senior clerkship
- Funding
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Dr. Richard MITI
Zambia
- Project
The use of plastic wrap for burn wound management in resource constrained setting, rural Zambia
- Funding
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Dr. Charles Sungani
Malawi
- Project
Epidemiology, Management and outcomes of perforated peptic ulcers amongst adult patients at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Malawi, a prospective cohort study
- Funding
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Dr Mumba Chalwe
Zambia
- Projects
Evaluating accessibility of Surgical services for Male Cancers in Peri-Urban Ndola District: A Surgical Health System's Perspective
- Funding
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Dr. Hana A Gebreselassie
Ethiopia
- Project
Pattern and Trend of In-Hospital Mortality of Children Who Have Undergone Surgery in the COSECSA Region; A Three-year Descriptive Study Based on the e-Logbook of COSECSA Trainees
- Funding
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Dr. Oginda Sharon
Kenya
- Project
Understanding Surgical Practice Patterns and Job Satisfaction Among the Surgical Workforce in County Hospitals in Kenya: Exploring Solutions to Recruitment and Retention
- Funding
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Dr Ssembatya JosephMARY
Uganda
- Project
Outcomes and quality of life following surgical treatment of hydrocephalus in pediatric patients at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda: A Cross sectional study
- Funding
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Dr. Muse Freneh Anito
Kenya
- Project
Impact of socioeconomic factors and health seeking behavior on outcomes of intussusception in pediatric patients – multicenter study
- Funding
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Dr Lucy Kaomba
Malawi
- Project
Exploring the Diagnostic Potential of ctDNA TP53 Mutations and miRNAs in Esophageal Cancer Patients in Malawi
- Funding
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Dr Bethlehem A. Oljirra
Ethiopia
- Project
An Interventional Study to Transition from Paper-Based to Electronic Documentation of Consent for Surgical Procedures at Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College
- Funding
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Dr Paul Lugwaja
Tanzania
- Project
Assessment of standardized burn care at District and regional referral hospitals in Lake zone regions in Tanzania
- Funding
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Dr NDAYIRAGIJE Cyriaque
Rwanda
- Project
Intra-abdominal surgery in COSECSA accredited district hospitals in Rwanda: a 2-year retrospective study of patient management and outcome of care
- Funding
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Dr. Delphine Mizero
Rwanda
- Project
Burden, Risk Factors, and Lived Experiences of Patients with Perianal fistula in Rwanda: A Multicenter Mixed-Methods Study
- Funding
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Dr Azere Manyasi
Kenya
- Project
Depression And Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder And Their Associated Factors Among Burn Patients Managed At Kiruddu National Referral Hospital. A Cross Sectional Study
- Funding
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Dr Hetal Gohil
Kenya
- Project
Not yet listed
- Funding
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Dr Neema Lala Bayyo
Tanzania
- Project
Exploring Experiences of Parents of Babies Born with Gastroschisis Receiving Care in Tanzania: A Mixed-Methods Study
- Funding
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Dr Gahire Hurbert
Rwanda
- Project
Development of a Machine Learning Based Multicenter Risk Calculator for Predicting Perioperative Adverse Events in Emergency General Surgery in a Low and Middle-Income Country Setting
- Funding
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Dr Precious G. T. Mutambanengwe
Zimbabwe
- Project
H.O.P.E. — Harnessing Ostomy Patient Experiences. Exploring the socioeconomic burden and care innovations for pediatric colostomies in Zimbabwe: A mixed-methods study
- Funding
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Dr Sufyan A. IBRAHIM
Zambia
- Project
Exploring the surgical decision making process for stoma creation in Africa
- Funding
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Dr Tolasa Dibisa Jirata
Ethiopia
- Project
Scaling Low-Cost Biologic Solutions for Fracture Care: Outcomes of Locally Prepared Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma in Open Tibiofibular Fractures Treated with SIGN Nails in Ethiopia
- Funding
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Dr Gildas Tadjoua Konde
Cameroon
- Project
Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy For Wound Care In A Resource-Limited Setting
- Funding
Travel Awardees
2026
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Dr Victoire Mukamitari
Rwanda
- About
Victoire Mukamitari, MD, is a Senior Resident in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at University Teaching Hospital of Kigali - CHUK, Rwanda, and a COSECSA Fellow-in-Training. Her interests include cleft care, global surgery, and surgical education. Victoire was also featured in The Making of a Surgeon, a documentary film highlighting the experiences and journeys of surgeons in Africa.
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Dr. Hiwot Fantahun Ambelu
Ethiopia
- About
Dr. Hiwot Fantahun Ambelu is a general surgeon currently serving at Arsi University in Asella, Ethiopia. Raised in a vibrant family, she completed her undergraduate medical training with Very Great Distinction at Adama Science and Technology University. She then completed her general surgery residency at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital. In 2021, Dr. Ambelu became a Fellow of the College of Surgeons (FCS) in General Surgery by examination. Dr. Ambelu is among the few surgeons at her institution who perform laparoscopic procedures. Dr. Ambelu is deeply grateful for the challenges and opportunities that have shaped her professional journey. She aspires to excel as a well-rounded surgeon delivering clinical care aligned with current global standards and to build a meaningful academic and research career that advances surgical practice in the region and beyond. Dr. Ambelu is married and has two sons. She enjoys traveling.
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Dr. Clement Chanda Mwamba
Zambia
- About
Dr. Clement Chanda Mwamba is a General Surgeon from Zambia and a third-year Fellowship in General Surgery (FCS) trainee under COSECSA. He completed his Master of Medicine in General Surgery at the University of Zambia in 2025. He currently practices at Maina Soko Medical Centre and Zambia Air Force Hospital, while maintaining clinical and academic links with the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka. His clinical interests include gastrointestinal, emergency, and trauma surgery, with a particular interest in improving surgical outcomes in resource-limited settings. His research focuses on gastrointestinal surgical emergencies and surgical outcomes. He is committed to advancing surgical care through research, teaching, mentorship, innovation, and continuous professional development, contributing to improved surgical capacity in Zambia and the wider COSECSA region.
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Dr. Kapalasa Kasempa
Zambia
- About
Dr. Kapalasa Kasempa is a Zambian specialist general surgeon whose interests span trauma care, minimally invasive surgery, surgical research and education. She holds an MBCHB from Moscow State University Of Medicine And Dentistry and recently completed postgraduate surgical training at the University of Zambia, alongside additional training in laparoscopic surgery under COSECSA. Her academic work has focused particularly on traumatic brain injury and the realities of delivering effective trauma care in resource-limited settings. Beyond the operating theatre, she is passionate about teaching, mentorship, strengthening surgical systems, and contributing to the growth of the next generation of doctors. Outside medicine, she is a wife and mother of two children and three dogs who values faith, family, fitness, meaningful relationships, and travel. She aspires to contribute to the advancement of surgical research and the strengthening of surgical systems in her country and, ultimately, across the region through evidence-based practice.
2024
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Dr Chelsea Shikuku
- About
Chelsea Shikuku is an Orthopaedic Surgeon pursuing fellowship training in Paediatric Orthopaedics through the COSECSA–CURE Children’s Hospitals of Kenya and Ethiopia programme. She is passionate about transforming children’s lives through specialised surgical care and is committed to compassionate, patient-centred practice. She values active patient and caregiver involvement, ensuring they understand their condition, the proposed interventions, and the rationale behind treatment decisions. Dedicated to continuous learning and professional development, Chelsea strives to strengthen her skills and improve patient outcomes. Beyond medicine, she enjoys nature and outdoor activities.
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Dr James Lubuulwa
Tanzania
- About
Dr James Lubuulwa is a practicing neurosurgeon and former Head of the Department of Neurosurgery at Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania, a position he has held since December 2018. He completed his neurosurgery residency in June 2017 at Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China. His research interests include paediatric neural tube defects, traumatic brain and spinal injuries, and the development of brain and spinal tumour registries. He has published several articles on these topics in peer-reviewed journals and serves as a guest reviewer for several academic journals. Dr Lubuulwa is also a lecturer in the Department of Surgery at the Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS). He is a member of COSECSA and an international member of the Harvey Cushing Society of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS).
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Dr Ngam Blessing Ngoin
Cameroon
- About
Ngam Blessing Ngoin is a general surgeon and graduate of the University of Buea, Cameroon (2017). She completed her five-year general surgery training through the Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS) at Mbingo Baptist Hospital and became a COSECSA Fellow in December 2024. Passionate about improving surgical care in underserved communities, she has contributed to the award-winning ALL-SAFE project on low-cost laparoscopic simulation, facilitated simulation training across Africa, and mentored junior residents in clinical research. A recipient of the COSECSA–RCSI research grant, her work focuses on affordable laparoscopic training. She aspires to specialise in surgical oncology and mentor future surgeons committed to serving underserved populations.
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Dr Violet Kemunto Otoki
Kenya
- About
Dr Violet Kemunto Otoki is a Kenyan general surgeon and COSECSA Fellow who completed her surgical training at Tenwek Hospital through the Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS) and COSECSA programmes. Her clinical and research interests include improving access to quality surgical care, health equity, and strengthening surgical systems in resource-limited settings. She has contributed to research on laparoscopic surgery, including comparing laparoscopic and open appendectomy in a rural Kenyan setting. In 2024, she received the COSECSA General Surgery Fellowship examination’s top student award, recognising her outstanding performance.
2023
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Dr Chihena Hansini Banda
Zambia
- About
Dr Chihena Hansini Banda is a Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, from The University Teaching Hospital in Zambia. Dr Banda is a COSECSA Fellow who also obtained a PhD under the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Mie University. He also completed fellowships in oncologic reconstruction at the Tokyo Cancer Institute Hospital of the Japan Foundation for Cancer Research and in super-microsurgery at the Tokyo National Center for Global Health and Medicine Hospital. Dr Banda will be presenting a project titled “Addressing the Gender Gap in the COSECSA Surgical Workforce: Where do we Stand?”
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Dr. Kabelele Sipalo
Zambia
- About
Dr. Kabelele Sipalo is a Neurosurgery Member of COSECSA in Zambia. She completed her medical training at Ryazan Medical University in Russia. She is a member of a departmental research team. Dr Sipalo received a small grant funded by RCSI/COSECSA Collaboration Programme (CP) to undertake a COSECSA Global Surgery Research Program, which included implementing a project titled “Surgical Outcomes of Head Injuries in Zambia: A Retrospective Hospital-Based Study” which she will be presenting.
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Dr Precious Mutambanengwe
Zimbabwe
- About
Dr Precious Mutambanengwe is a Paediatric and Neonatal surgeon based in Harare at Sally Mugabe Children’s Hospital in Zimbabwe. She is the Secretary general of the Surgical Society of Zimbabwe, a Research and Development Committee member of the Medical and Dental practitioners Council, Women in Surgery Africa Zimbabwe chapter representative and member of the Zimbabwe National Surgical Obstetric and Anaesthetic Plan Development Team. She was part of the team that separated conjoined twins in July 2014 and February 2021. She also founded the Let’s Connect (WhatsApp mentoring platform for aspiring female surgeons). Dr Mutambanengwe will be presenting a project titled “Specialist Surgeon Workforce in COSECSA Affiliated countries.”
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Dr. Wongel Shale
Ethiopia
- About
Dr. Wongel Shale is a General Surgeon working at Jimma University Centre. She is a COSECSA Fellow and a member of Ethiopian Surgical Society (SSE), Women in Surgery Africa (WISA), and Ethiopian Medical Association (EMA). As an advocate for equitable surgical care for all, Dr Shale was the first female surgeon to have worked in the Afar region of Ethiopia, an underserved area with a population in crisis, seasonal tribal conflict, and natural disasters (flood). She provided surgical care and co-established and coordinated the disaster preparedness and response team. Dr Shale will be presenting her study titled “Implementation of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery in Jimma University Medical Center (IERAS–Jimma)”, which she is undertaking, funded by the RCSI/COSECSA Collaboration Programme (CP).
FUNDING: The COSECSA Global Surgery Mentorship Program is funded by the Intuitive Foundation, RCSI/COSECSA Collaboration Program, and AO Alliance.
TITLE: COSECSA Surgical Audits and Standards Collaboration (COSurgASC)
Background:
The College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA) and other surgical training institution have made significant strides in contributing to surgical workforce, by providing quality surgical education in the region. COSECSA aims to develop a Surgical Audit and Standards Network and implement surgical audits to assess baseline surgical practice and outcomes in COSECSA training sites, and identify areas of Quality Improvement for patients undergoing surgery in the accredited hospitals in the ECSA region. Data will be gathered for the purpose of proposing dedicated COSECSA standards and help in conducting surgical audits against these set standards.
Potential benefits:
- Hospitals and surgeons will be provided with tools to collect data on surgeries they perform
- Become part of the Regional Surgical Care Audits and Standards Network, and that will look into existing surgical standards and contextualize them for use in the region
- The project will come up with Minimal Dataset that can inform countries in the formation of Surgical Registries
- Opportunity for Research capacity building among Fellows and Surgeons
- Provide data for informing Continuous Professional Development on the areas of potential improvement of patient outcomes.
- Participating surgeons will be listed as co-authors in any resulting manuscript
Team Members:
- Dr Godfrey Sama Philipo
COSECSA – Tanzania
- Dr. Vihar Kotecha
Bugando Medical Center – Tanzania
- Dr. Michael Mwachiro
Tenwek Hospital – ESRC Chair
- Stella Itungu
COSECSA – Tanzania
- Prof Juan Carlos Puyana
RCSI/COSECSA Collaboration Programme – Ireland
- Lucia Brocato
RCSI/COSECSA Collaboration Programme – Ireland
- Niraj Bachheta
COSECSA – Tanzania
- Dr Wongel Tena
Lead – Ethiopia
- Lucy Kaomba
Lead – Malawi
- Dr Temesgen Nane
Co-Lead – Ethiopia
- Dr Nathalie Umugwaneza,
Lead – Rwanda
Funding Source: Irish Aid, Department of Foreign Affairs under the RCSI/COSECSA Collaboration Programme (CP). To participate and be part of the COSECSA Audit and Standards Network, please write to us through the, Research and Patient Outcomes Coordinator at: rpo.coordinator@cosecsa.org