By Foday Moriba Conteh
Dr. Mustapha S. Kabba, Deputy Chief Medical Officer (Clinical) at the Ministry of Health, has disclosed that Sierra Leone will host the 64th Annual Conference and Scientific Meeting of The West African College of Surgeons. The theme of the conference will be; “Access to Safe Surgical Care” according to the disclosure which was made during an inter-ministerial meeting, including representatives from the Office of the President, held on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at the Ministry of Health, Youyi Building in Freetown.
The conference, scheduled to take place from Sunday, March 3rd, to Thursday, March 7th, 2024, at the Bintumani Conference Centre in Freetown, will bring together 500 to 600 surgeons and related professionals from the sub-region. It aims to facilitate scientific exchanges and the implementation of strategies and policies for the advancement of Surgery in West Africa.
Sierra Leone last hosted this conference in 2008, while neighboring countries Guinea and Liberia hosted it in 2009 and 2012, respectively. The Council of The West African College of Surgeons has selected Sierra Leone to host the conference in 2024, following Togo’s hosting in 2023.
Dr. Kabba emphasized the significance of the West African College of Surgeons (WACS) in advancing surgical excellence and healthcare in the region. He highlighted the conference as a valuable platform for learning, growth, and contribution to healthcare advancement in West Africa.
The conference will feature leading-edge speakers and thought-provoking sessions led by renowned experts in surgery and healthcare. Scientific papers, publications, and research from surgeons within the sub-region will be presented, providing Sierra Leonean surgeons with an opportunity to showcase their work.
Moreover, the conference will offer networking opportunities, allowing participants to interact with colleagues, fellow surgeons, healthcare professionals, and industry experts. It will also include discussions, workshops and collaborative sessions aimed at addressing key challenges in surgery and healthcare.
Representatives from various Ministries, including Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Information and Civic Education, Energy, and the Sierra Leone Police, provided updates on their preparedness for the conference during the meeting.
