February 28, 2019

WEO again joined forces with the European Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) to organize the second hands-on course at St Paul’s Hospital and Millennium Medical School (SPHMMS) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This intensive hands-on training was held February 4–8, 2019 within the Endoscopy suite at St. Paul´s Hospital.

Following the successful launch of this basic endoscopy training in 2018, WEO and ESGE signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with St. Paul’s Hospital and Millennium Medical School (SPHMMS) to acknowledge the St. Paul´s Hospital GI Unit as the first official WEO/ESGE Training Center in Africa.

During the course, five international experts worked with small groups to ensure ample time for hands-on experience and observation. About 100 procedures were performed during the course. The participants came with a wide range of experience, from never having done an endoscopy to skilled endoscopists (hundreds of colonoscopies performed). Procedures were mostly diagnostic colonoscopies with the occasional cold snare resection of a minute polyp. Upper endoscopies were dominated by substantial variceal disease, with much band ligation being carried out.

Faculty and guests enjoyed the multifaceted local hospitality and the social program, including a tour of the historic districts and the National Museum.

WEO is grateful for the support received from industry partners for this program.

To see the program, please visit this link.