Over 100 medical professionals are set to receive specialized endoscopy training in a transformative initiative aimed at addressing gastrointestinal health challenges in Africa.
The program, focusing on sustainable solutions through education, research, and improved medical accessibility, is expected to enhance diagnostic and treatment capabilities across the continent.
A groundbreaking partnership between Roeya Training Center and the Mazira Foundation is set to revolutionize endoscopic healthcare in Central and West Africa.
The initiative aims to establish a dedicated endoscopy training school, equipping physicians and gastroenterologists with the necessary skills to advance medical practice in the region.
Endoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the inside of a patient’s digestive tract using a flexible tube with a light and camera attached to it, known as an endoscope.
This procedure helps in diagnosing and treating conditions such as ulcers, tumors, gastrointestinal bleeding, and inflammation. It is commonly used to detect diseases like esophageal and gastric cancer, especially in high-risk regions.
Speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Mazira Memorial Hospital in Vihiga, Dr. Faith Odwaro, the founder and managing trustee of Mazira Foundation, emphasized that the training is primarily for Kenyan medical practitioners but is also open to other medical professionals across Africa.
“Despite endoscopy being developed over 50 years ago, we still have a shortage of specialists in Western Kenya. This initiative brings training closer to communities that need it the most, facilitating earlier diagnosis and improving accessibility. More trained personnel mean reduced costs and better health outcomes,” she said.
She further noted that research has indicated a high prevalence of patients in counties such as Vihiga, Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Kisii, Kakamega, Bungoma, and Nandi.
“There is a pressing need for extensive research, improved food quality, and awareness about conditions linked to dietary risks, such as aflatoxin exposure and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
“Dr. Sharon Ocharo, a pediatrician, underscored the challenges faced by patients due to the lack of accessible endoscopic services.
She shared her own experience, highlighting how patients often undergo repeated treatments for ulcers at lower-level facilities before reaching a specialist.
“By the time an endoscopy is recommended, the condition may have worsened, leading to higher out-of-pocket costs and diminished treatment outcomes. Endoscopy is a fundamental diagnostic tool, not just a treatment procedure,”she said.
It should be available at earlier stages of care rather than being reserved for high-level hospitals. If more trained personnel and endoscopy units are established, patients can receive timely and cost-effective care.”
Marwan Ashraf, Business Unit Director of Roeya Training Center, emphasized the significance of this initiative.
“Our goal is to provide specialized training for physicians in gastroenterology and endoscopy. In the first phase, we plan to train 100 medical professionals by March 2026. We are actively seeking partnerships to expand this initiative and reach more trainees, ensuring a greater impact on healthcare systems,” he said.
The program will offer training opportunities at Mazira Memorial Hospital in Vihiga County. The first phase is set to launch in March 2025 and run until March 2026.
