AFRICAN PATHOLOGISTS’ SUMMIT
SUMMARY STATEMENT
The challenges and constraints faced by the African pathologists and the practice of pathology are multiple including
lack of or inadequate infrastructure, inadequate personnel including pathologists and technical personnel as well as lack
of or poor funding for simple things as reagents etc. The resultant effects of these challenges on the quality of pathology
practice are not acceptable and do not augur well for the future of quality care in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).
The conference theme is:
“Building international and local bridges in pathology”
The ultimate goals of pathology services in SSA include:
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All surgical specimens and biopsies removed in all hospitals should receive appropriate and correct
pathology diagnosis in a timely manner
All cancers should be properly diagnosed by pathologists and adequately entered in the databases of
their respective cancer registries
Pathology services provided at African institutions should strive to receive international credibility and
be deemed satisfactory for both local and international collaborative studies.
Through deliberate, calculated, systematic, cooperative and coordinated efforts, we plan to develop strategies for
improving:
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Pathology diagnostic services and modalities for ensuring uniform standards across all region.
Enhance regional educational training programs both in basic clinical knowledge and research
techniques / methodology including knowledge transfer and application of newer technologies.
Use existing resources of the various regional colleges for pathology and international organizations
such as USCAP, CAP, RCPath, ASCP, INCTR etc
We hope to develop an attitude of self responsibility in which help and support from others does not absolve us from
our responsibilities for adequate and quality practice of pathology in SSA.
The deliberations at this conference will be held in collaboration with stakeholders from the following organizations and
institutions:
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African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer
American Society for Clinical Pathology
Association of Pathologists of Nigeria
British Division of the International Academy of Pathology
College of Pathology of East, Central and Southern Africa
East African Division of the International Academy of Pathology
Friends of Africa – United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology Initiative
International Academy of Pathology
International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research
National Cancer Institute
National Health and Laboratory Service of South Africa
Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College
Royal College of Pathologists
South Africa Division of the International Academy of Pathology
West African Division of the International Academy of Pathology
West African College of Physicians – Faculty of Laboratory Medicine