Overview
The 2015 Dakar Workshop marked a pivotal moment in NESA’s African outreach, bringing together surgeons from across West Africa to learn evidence-based surgical techniques and launching the continent-wide All-African Surgical Database.
Workshop Details
Location: Dakar, Senegal
Duration: 5 days
Participants: 45 surgeons from 8 African countries
Host Institution: Dakar University Hospital
Partner: Ministry of Health, Senegal
Training Focus
Cesarean Section Optimization
- Misgav-Ladach technique demonstration
- NESA refinements for resource-limited settings
- Reduction of unnecessary interventions
- Cost-effective approach
Hysterectomy Techniques
- Modified vaginal approach
- Minimally invasive methods
- Complication prevention
- Recovery optimization
Surgical Safety Protocols
- WHO checklist implementation
- Team communication strategies
- Infection prevention measures
Key Outcomes
- 45 surgeons trained in evidence-based techniques
- 8 countries represented (Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Togo, Niger)
- All-African Surgical Database conceptualized and initiated
- Ministerial support secured for ongoing implementation
- Follow-up network established for continued collaboration
Impact Measurements
Post-workshop evaluations at participating hospitals showed:
- 35% reduction in surgical complications
- 40% decrease in post-operative analgesic use
- 2-day reduction in average hospital stay
- Significant cost savings for healthcare systems
Legacy
This workshop directly led to:
- Creation of the All-African Surgical Database
- Establishment of regional training centers
- Ongoing partnerships with West African ministries of health
- Annual follow-up workshops in the region
Participant Testimonials
“This workshop transformed how I approach Cesarean sections. The simplified technique is safer for my patients and more sustainable for our hospital.”
— Dr. Amadou Diallo, Senegal
“For the first time, I saw surgery taught as it should be: evidence-based, simple, and reproducible.”
— Dr. Fatou Mensah, Burkina Faso