Rwanda’s IRCAD Africa Advances Surgical Training Across the Continent
ICRAD Africa, based in Rwanda, has trained over 300 African surgeons in minimally invasive surgery, addressing the gap between high and low-income countries in high-tech surgical practices, according to a government health official.
Inaugurated as the continent’s sole center focused on research and training in minimally invasive surgery, IRCAD Africa aims to enhance Africa’s medical expertise. This modern technique reduces pain and trauma for patients, leading to shorter hospital stays, lower risks of bleeding and infection, and faster recovery times.
Many African nations still rely on traditional, more invasive surgical methods, which involve longer recovery periods and more significant patient trauma. IRCAD Africa’s managing director, David Kamanda, emphasized that over 95% of Africa’s population lacks access to advanced medical and surgical procedures, highlighting the center’s role in bridging this gap.
Surgeons from 25 African countries and beyond have trained at IRCAD Africa, chosen for its global rankings, safety, and connectivity. Founded in 1994, IRCAD has become a global leader in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and its application in low- and middle-income countries is expected to reduce surgical mortality in poorly equipped hospitals.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame praised IRCAD Africa’s launch, seeing it as a significant investment in public health infrastructure. Dr. Anel Lengton, a South African general surgeon, lauded the center for providing real-time practice on actual tissue, a rare opportunity.
Dr. Omeke Joseph Chigozie from Nigeria, training in laparoscopic techniques, praised IRCAD Africa for its potential to produce future medical leaders and impact not just Rwanda and Africa, but the world.