Forty African nations, represented by ministers of health and other key stakeholders, have signed 15 landmark resolutions aimed at revolutionising surgical healthcare across the continent. The agreements were made during the second Pan-African Surgical Healthcare Forum (PASHeF) held in Kigali from September 16-17. The resolutions, crafted through extensive deliberations among policymakers, clinicians, researchers, and advocates, lay out a strategic roadmap to improve equitable, safe, and timely surgical care for all Africans. ALSO READ: Equitable surgical healthcare: Minister advocates for impact-driven reforms Key focus areas include enhancing collaboration between African nations, mobilising resources effectively, and sharing best practices to tackle persistent challenges in surgical healthcare. With Africa’s population rapidly growing, the demand for surgical services continues to rise. Yet, many citizens face limited access to surgeries due to long wait times, inadequate facilities, and high costs. The newly signed resolutions aim to change this reality by fostering united efforts across the continent. Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Minister of Health, applauded the delegates' commitment, emphasising the need for action-oriented solutions to address Africa’s pressing surgical needs. “We must invest in the surgical workforce, improve working conditions, and develop cost-effective delivery systems to make real progress in surgical care across the continent,” Nsanzimana urged. ALSO READ: Rwanda to train more plastic surgeons to fix gaps One of the key milestones achieved at the forum was the establishment of a formal governance structure for PASHeF, which will operate under a continental body. The structure will include a 10-member Board of Governors, an Executive Committee, and a Secretariat based in Rwanda. This governance framework, supported by technical subcommittees, is designed to ensure the forum's objectives are met and that surgical care in Africa is significantly enhanced. Discussions at the forum also centred on advancing national surgical policies and strengthening regional cooperation. Dr. Robert Riviello, Associate Professor of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School, lauded PASHeF’s role in uniting countries facing similar surgical healthcare challenges. “Sharing experiences is key to improving access to surgical services through better policy and planning,” Riviello remarked. Dr. Abebe Bekele, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Research at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), highlighted the dual benefits of investing in surgical services: saving lives and promoting economic growth. UGHE’s Vice Chancellor, Philip Cotton, reinforced the need for humility and unwavering dedication in serving the healthcare needs of the continent. Dr. Emmanuel Dibert Bekoy Nouganga, a General Surgeon from the Central African Republic, emphasised the importance of robust monitoring and evaluation in surgical healthcare. “Following up on our actions is crucial; the forum's vision ensures tangible progress on the ground,” Nouganga stressed. Representatives from various non-profit organisations also underscored the role of advocacy and partnerships in realising the forum’s goals. Nkeiruka Obi, Vice-President and Regional Director at Smile Train Africa, emphasised the critical need for safe surgical and anaesthesia care, noting that PASHeF offers the platform to drive this mission. Sarah Hamilton, Director of Global Advocacy and Public Policy at Smile Train, pointed out the economic advantages of investing in surgical care, estimating a $69 billion return through improved healthcare access. Dr. Walt Johnson, National and International Advocacy Manager at Mercy Ships, a global charity that operates hospital ships in developing nations, stressed the power of partnerships. He praised PASHeF’s mission to ensure that every African has access to life-saving surgical services.
