By Josephine Sesay

The Sierra Leone Chapter of the West African College of Surgeons (WACS) has concluded its 2nd Annual Conference and Scientific Meeting in Freetown, bringing together healthcare professionals, policymakers, academics, and development partners to discuss the future of surgical care in the country.

Held under the theme “Developing a National Surgical, Obstetric and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP),” the conference provided a platform for stakeholders to review progress in surgical services and explore strategies for strengthening healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone.

Discussions at the meeting focused on expanding access to quality surgical care, advancing specialist medical training, and improving trauma and emergency response systems across the country. Participants also highlighted the increasing participation of women in surgery and the emerging role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern surgical practice.

Health officials emphasized the importance of the proposed National Surgical, Obstetric and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP) 2026–2030, describing it as a key framework for improving surgical services and advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

According to stakeholders, the plan is expected to enhance specialist training, strengthen surgical infrastructure, improve trauma care, and ensure equitable access to safe, timely, and affordable surgical, obstetric, and anaesthesia services nationwide.

Speakers at the conference noted that strengthening surgical systems is essential to reducing preventable deaths and improving overall health outcomes, particularly among women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

The conference also served as a platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and the sharing of best practices among local and international experts in the medical field.

At the end of the meeting, participants reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the development and implementation of the NSOAP and to working collectively to improve the quality of surgical care across Sierra Leone.

The WACS Sierra Leone Chapter said it remains committed to advancing surgical education, research, and clinical excellence as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Wednesday, 3rd June 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)