Setting Up a Medical Oncology Educational Program in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Sara Bravaccini,Mattia Altini,Lauro Bucchi,Patrizia Serra,Deogratias Katabalo,Nestory Masalu,Dino Amadori,Carla Masini

doi:10.5334/aogh.2994

Abstract

One of the major problems facing healthcare systems in countries with poor socio-economic conditions is the need to strengthen the system through the training of physicians, nurses and other healthcare operators. Partnering with more affluent countries is the key for hospitals in these areas, but such alliances are often based on limited educational exchanges. We present a retrospective study of our experience in building a collaborative relationship between our cancer institute in Italy and a Medical Center in sub-Saharan Africa (Tanzania). The main purpose is to see the changes in the clinical practice after educational interventions on health personnel in a Tanzanian cancer center.

Highlights

IntroductionIn sub-Saharan Africa [2,3,4], comprehensive prevention, detection, and treatment programmes for cancer are lacking, the health infrastructure is poor, the technical workforce is limited, and diagnostic and treatment capacity is insufficient [2]
From an educational point of view, the main intervention took the form of a five-year period of training in oncology (2004–2008) in Italy offered to a Tanzanian physician and was completely funded by Associazione Vittorio Tison
Like hospitals in Italy 30 years ago, chemotherapy at Bugando Medical Center (BMC) was prepared by unskilled personnel who did not have the protection of a laminar flow hood

Summary

Introduction

In sub-Saharan Africa [2,3,4], comprehensive prevention, detection, and treatment programmes for cancer are lacking, the health infrastructure is poor, the technical workforce is limited, and diagnostic and treatment capacity is insufficient [2]. Infrastructures, and technologies are underdeveloped and their upgrades are difficult, public health campaigns and quality assurance are more important than in other more-developed countries [6, 7]. Within this context, the lack of adequate personnel training is even more critical

Methods

Results

Conclusion