International Partners Join WACS Conference to Advance Surgery in Africa. City, Country — The 66th Annual Conference for the West African College of Surgeons (WACS) is taking place this week, uniting surgeons, educators, policymakers, and healthcare leaders from across West Africa and beyond.
The event, themed “Capacity Building, “is dedicated to developing the next generation of African surgeons and improving access to safe and timely surgical care. “.
We look upon WACS and strategic partners shaping specialists’ trainings and building a resilient surgical workforce in our country and across our subregion, “stated His Excellency, the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama. He emphasized the critical importance of timely access to surgical care, noting that delays can lead to preventable conditions and deaths.
International partners, including the faith — based NGO Mercy Ships, are participating in the conference to support sustainable, scientifically-based solutions.
Mercy Ships has collaborated with governments and surgical institutions across Africa for over four decades, aiming to strengthen national health strategies through direct medical services and capacity building. Officials commented on the matter. “
Our work is about partnership, alongside ministries of health, training institutions, and local professionals.”.
In addition to the conference, Mercy Ships is actively involved in Ghana, preparing for an upcoming field service anticipated to begin in August 2026.
The Global Mercy™ hospital ship will provide free surgical care and work with national partners to enhance local medical capacity. These conferences highlight the shared commitment of regional and international partners in advancing sustainable surgical care in West Africa.
Through long — term investments in people, skills, and systems, the conference aims to improve access to quality surgical care across the region.
Further details on the conference outcomes and the upcoming field service are expected in the coming weeks.
