AYV News, June 2, 2026
The Sierra Leone Chapter of the West African College of Surgeons has held its 2nd Annual Conference and Scientific Meeting in Freetown, bringing together healthcare professionals, policymakers, academics, and development partners to discuss strategies for improving surgical care across the country.
Held at the Freetown City Council Auditorium under the theme, “Developing a National Surgical, Obstetric and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP),” the conference explored key issues affecting healthcare delivery, including the role of female surgeons in advancing women’s empowerment and the growing application of artificial intelligence in surgical practice and academia.
The event attracted a wide range of participants, including Deputy Minister of Health I, Charles Senesie, Deputy Chief Medical Officer–Clinical Services, Mustapha S. Kabba, consultants, specialist surgeons, medical officers, registrars, students, and representatives of health institutions and development organizations.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Sierra Leone Chapter of WACS, Thaim B. Kamara, highlighted major achievements in postgraduate medical education and specialist training. He pointed to the successful introduction of Computer-Based Testing examinations in anaesthesiology and general surgery, which led to the graduation of new fellows, members, and diplomates in various medical specialties.
Prof. Kamara also commended the growing participation and success of female medical professionals, describing their achievements as evidence of the increasing contribution of women to healthcare leadership and specialist practice in Sierra Leone.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Mustapha Kabbaemphasized the importance of expanding access to quality surgical care and highlighted the implementation of the National Surgical, Obstetric and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP) as a critical step toward strengthening healthcare services nationwide.
He noted that the plan, launched in 2025, has gained international recognition and is guiding investments in specialist training, diagnostic services, trauma care, surgical outreach programmes, and advanced medical technologies.
Officially opening the conference, Prof. Charles Senesieconveyed greetings from President Julius Maada Bio and Health Minister Austin Demby. He outlined progress made in health security, healthcare infrastructure, referral systems, diagnostics, workforce development, and medicine supply chains.
Scientific sessions during the conference featured presentations on anaesthesiology, ophthalmology, oral health, endoscopic surgery, general surgery, and artificial intelligence in surgical practice. Participants also engaged in discussions on implementing the NSOAP 2026–2030 framework and identifying practical solutions to improve access to safe, affordable, and high-quality surgical care.
The conference concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening collaboration and advancing surgical, obstetric, and anaesthesia services as part of efforts to achieve universal health coverage in Sierra Leone.
