WACP targets stronger healthcare delivery across West Africa

The West African College of Physicians (WACP) has pledged to strengthen healthcare delivery and specialist medical training across West Africa, with plans to expand its presence to all 15 countries in the sub-region.

The President of the College, Dr Mamadou Mourtala Ka, stated this as the institution marked its 50th anniversary with activities, including a free medical outreach for residents of Waru community in Abuja.

Ka said the anniversary, themed “WACP@50: Celebrating a Legacy and Envisioning the Future,” provided an opportunity to reflect on the college’s achievements and establish priorities for the next 50 years.

Founded in 1976 by five English-speaking West African countries, the college has expanded to 13 national chapters and six faculties covering various medical specialties.

The WACP president disclosed that the institution had produced 4,654 fellows and 4,030 members as of April 2026, with hundreds more expected to be inducted during its 50th Annual General and Scientific Meeting.

“4,654 fellows and 4,030 members produced as of April 2026, with hundreds more to be inducted at this AGSM. They lead clinical practice, medical education, research and health systems across the region and beyond,” he said.

On the Ebola case confirmed in Nigeria, Ka said the college was collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) to protect delegates and the host community.

He said preventive measures had been put in place, urging the public to rely on official information and avoid spreading misinformation about the disease.

The Secretary of the Local Organising Committee, Professor Habibu Galadanci, said the scientific meeting would examine emerging issues in medical practice, including artificial intelligence, kidney disease, dementia and mental health disorders.

Galadanci explained that discussions on artificial intelligence would focus on its potential applications in healthcare, ethical implications and possible risks in patient management.

He said the meeting would also examine strategies to reduce the burden of kidney disease, improve awareness and management of dementia, and address the stigma associated with mental health conditions.

According to him, the scientific sessions would provide a platform for specialists to develop practical recommendations for improving medical practice, guiding health policy and strengthening healthcare delivery across West Africa.

The meeting, scheduled for October 26 to 28 in Abuja, will feature scientific lectures, exhibitions and the induction of new fellows.

As part of the anniversary programme, the college organised a free medical outreach in Waru, Abuja, providing consultations, health education, medications and surgical services to residents.

During a visit to the palace of the Sepeyi of Garki to inform him about the outreach, Ka emphasised the need for regional cooperation to improve healthcare standards and specialist training across Anglophone, Francophone and Lusophone countries.

“Healthcare has no borders,” he said, reaffirming the college’s commitment to working with stakeholders to address health challenges across the sub-region.

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Receiving the delegation, the Sepeyi of Garki, His Royal Majesty, Alhaji Usman Nga Kupi, commended the college for extending free healthcare services to his community.

The traditional ruler, however, expressed concern over the continued reliance on medical tourism by Nigerians, calling for increased investment in specialised healthcare facilities and stronger collaboration between the government and private-sector stakeholders.

He said such investments would improve access to quality medical services locally and reduce the financial burden on patients seeking treatment abroad.

Nga Kupi recalled when patients from other countries travelled to Nigeria for medical care, questioning the factors responsible for the reversal.

“It bothers me sometimes, because I do remember when we were kids, when we were very young, the first time we went to Nigeria, and there were so many institutions, and people were coming outside to take their treatment here. So I don’t know how you have got it wrong?” he asked.

The Chairman of the Medical Outreach Committee, Dr Nnenna Okafor, said the initiative was designed to make essential healthcare services accessible to residents who might otherwise struggle to afford them.

She said the outreach brought together medical professionals to attend to people with various health conditions, including those requiring surgical intervention.

A fellow of the college in the Faculty of Family Medicine, Dr Pemi Daniel, disclosed that about 15 patients had been screened and selected for free surgical procedures.

He listed hernia, hydrocele and lipoma among the conditions being treated, explaining that the initiative was intended to help people who might otherwise be unable to access quality healthcare.

“This is a way of giving back to the community. It is a way of using our expertise and resources to benefit people who ordinarily would not be able to access quality healthcare,” he said.

Daniel highlighted the role of family physicians in strengthening primary healthcare, noting that their broad-based training enabled them to manage a wide range of common medical, surgical and obstetric conditions.

According to him, family physicians can manage about 80 per cent of disease conditions, making them essential to achieving Universal Health Coverage.

The District Head of Waru under the Garki Chieftaincy Council, Chief Ambassador Ibrahim Sarki, commended the college for bringing the outreach to his community.

He urged residents to take advantage of the free services and appreciate organisations contributing to community development.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the college had earlier conferred its honorary fellowship on President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.