West African College of Surgeons (WACS) towards providing adequate numbers of specialists for service in West Africa.
Prof. Yeboah

Abstract: The core functions of WACS – Surgical and related specialists manpower training for West Africa. There are 7 faculties – Surgery and Specialties – Anaesthesia, Dental Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, Radiology and Radiotherapy.

Examinations
a. Fellowship Programmes – Primary, Final Part I & II for 7 faculties.
b. Diploma Programmes – DA Anaesthesia, DO Ophthalmology, DORL Otorhinolaryngology.
c. Examination Centres – in 6 countries – Nigeria, Ghana, The Gambia, Senegal, Guinea Conakry and Benin. New centers are to be opened in member countries.
 

Training Institutions and Programmes 136 in West Africa
Annual Output
a. Fellow 120+ for 5 countries with population of 156.4 Million from 1:3.6M population of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to 1:78.2 M for population per Cardiothoracic and Neurosurgeons.
b. Diplomates 30+ DA, DO, DORL Estimates of manpower at post and projected needs in 7 West

African countries indicate shortfall of over 6,000 specialists in surgery and related disciplines.

Recommendations for addressing the shortage of specialists in member countries include improved political will, increased numbers of training institutions, trainees and teachers. Improved working conditions, infrastructure, structured programmes and availability of skills training centers and centers of excellence in West Africa.

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Last modified: 07/10/06