On 11 and 12 September, nominated representatives of the Associations of Physicians across East, Central and Southern Africa met in Nairobi to discuss the establishment of a new college of physicians for the region.
The Royal College of Physicians of London is supporting the establishment of the new college by providing ongoing mentorship, technical support, and access to a range of experts on curriculum development and fundraising.
It was agreed that the new college’s vision would be ‘healthy communities through access to well-trained physicians’, and its mission should be ‘to improve standards of healthcare throughout the region by providing specialist training for physicians committed to life-long learning’.
This inaugural meeting of the college foundation group incorporated a range of presentations and discussions on topics including capacity building, curriculum development and fundraising.
Professor Evarist Njelesani, of Zambia, was elected chair of the foundation group, whilst a steering committee and other leadership positions were assigned.
The working groups established during this productive meeting are now developing the constitution, curriculum and strategic plan.
The foundation group plans to meet again in Arusha, Tanzania in November to plan the next steps and set the college’s official inauguration date.
Professor Evarist Njelesani said:
The meeting was timely given our desire for continued improvement in the standards of clinical care provided by our physicians in the region. The commitment and passion exhibited by all participants at the meeting should spur the college to greater heights.
Keith McAdam, International Advisor for East, Central and Southern Africa, Royal College of Physicians London, said:
The new College could have a huge influence on the standard of healthcare in the region, which will be promoted by excellent teachers in established centres of excellence and district hospitals. We are excited by the project and will continue to support this widely skilled foundation group in any way we can.
Notes:
The goals of the planned College of Physicians of East, Central and Southern Africa are to:
- Increase the number of trained physicians across the ECSA region through a supervised learning model.
- Set standards for training of physicians by:
- supporting the harmonisation of existing postgraduate training programmes to ensure a common standard between universities and across the ECSA region
- developing continuing professional development (CPD) systems and support for physicians to engage in learning throughout their careers.
- Increase access to specialist physicians outside the main urban centres by establishing training centres in rural areas.
- Act as a voice of the medical profession, continually seeking to improve standards of healthcare and disease prevention for the people of the region.
Country representatives:
- Professor Evarist Njelsani (Zambia)
- Professor Mohammed Abdullah (Kenya)
- Professor James Jowi (Kenya)
- Dr Judith Kwasa (Kenya)
- Professor Andrew Swai (Tanzania)
- Dr Pilly Chillo (Tanzania)
- Professor Innocent Gangaidzo (Zimbabwe)
- Dr Tapiwanashe Bwakura (Zimbabwe)
- Dr Henry Mwandumba (Malawi)
- Dr James Kayima (Uganda)
- Dr Lydia Nakiyingi (Uganda)
Presentations and support from:
- Professor Yoswa Dambisya, director general, East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community: ‘Advice for the new college’
- Professor Pankaj Jani, chair of the Senate, East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community: ‘Advice for the new college ’
- Professor Ephata Kaaya, president College of Pathologists of ECSA, vice chancellor Muhimbili University: ‘Advice for the new college’
- Mr Liam Fisher-Jones, Director, More Partnership, London: ‘Fundraising – the big picture and sustainability’
- Dr Richard Brough, head of Strategic Planning and Development and acting executive director, Infectious Diseases Institute, Uganda: ‘Capacity building and strengthening systems’
- Mr Matthew Foster, head of international affairs, Royal College of Physicians, London: ‘Taking the college forwards’
- Dr Francis Kimani, past chief medical officer, Kenya
- Professor Keith McAdam, international adviser for East, Central and Southern Africa, Royal College of Physicians, London
- Dr Patrick Cadigan past registrar, Royal College of Physicians, London
- Mr Iain Fossey, communications officer, Royal College of Physicians, London
For more information, please contact Morgan Evans, RCP communications and new media adviser, on 020 3075 1468 / 0779 508 8253, or email Morgan.Evans@rcplondon.ac.uk
Images from the meeting can be downloaded from the Royal College of Physicians London's flickr photostream.