International Aid donates Supplies to Aid in Surgical Training in Ghana

 

Ghana, a constitutional presidential republic located in western Africa, is a tropical country with over 20 million residents. The capital and largest city is Accra with a population of just over 2 million. Despite being one of the most economically sound countries in Africa, unmet needs remain in the medical system.

 

There are only 281 specialists in disciplines related to surgery to meet the needs of Ghana’s 20 million residents. This is a ratio of 1 surgeon for every 71,000 people. Ghana has an immediate need for 924 specialists to get down to an acceptable ration of 1 specialist for every 22,000 people. The ratios are even more skewed for specific surgical disciplines.

 

In February 2005, in an effort to fill this gap, a partnership was formed between the West African College of Surgeons, International Aid, Johnson & Johnson Corporation, Hartford Hospital – University of Connecticut and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital to establish The Surgical Skills Training Center (SSTC) based at Korle-Bu Hospital in Accra, Ghana, West Africa. The purpose of the facility is to provide a platform for educators, Non Governmental Organizations and corporate sponsors to introduce modern, cost-effective surgical training skills and innovative products in an effort to advance surgical care and improve survival rates through improved surgical intervention outcomes in West Africa and beyond. In addition the training center will produce certified instructors and medical professionals with specific skills to expand the outreach of the training beyond the facility itself.

 

The mission of SSTC is to encourage innovation, techniques, and skills to make measurable health improvements throughout Africa. To share proven life saving appropriate technologies and methodologies for current and future healthcare needs of developing countries.

 

Training provided by SSTC includes FLS – Fundamental Laparoscopic Surgery (SAGES certified), ATOM – Advanced Trauma Operative Management, Basics of Electro surgery, Bloodless Painless Vaginal Hysterectomy, BLEST – Basic Laparoscopy and Endoscopy Surgical Training, BOC – Basics of Chemistry, Interplast Reconstructive Flap Surgery, and Sterilizaton techniques.   The facility is accessible for others use.

 

To aid in this partnership, International Aid provides donations of Ethicon Suture, Ethicon Endo-surgery flex trays, staples, cutters, Codman surgical instruments, Karl Storz Endoscopy & Laparoscopy Towers, ERBE ESU’s, GE Anesthesia machines and  Welch Allyn monitors. 

 

Since its inception 112 surgeons, 9 anesthesiologists  and 4 nurses have successfully completed the program and become certified.

 

Donors & partnerships: Johnson & Johnson, Karl Storz, ERBE, Welch Allyn, Ghana School of Medicine, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, President of Ghana, University of Hartford, Tutligen University (Germany), University of Strasbourg(France), University of Michigan, Toronto University, American College of Surgeons (ACS), West African College of Surgeons (WACS), Ministry of Health – Ghana, Interplast, and others.

 

Top Photo: ATOM Course - Ongoing support by Ethicon of sutures, staples, & cutters as well as Codman instruments.
Middle Photo: University of Michigan - GYN training box using Ethicon Endo-Surgery instruments.
Bottom Photo: University of Toronto - Interactive long distance learning using Ethicon Endo-Surgery instruments.
Photo provide by International Aid