Delegates from across Africa and beyond have gathered to discuss strategies for enhancing collaboration between academic institutions and healthcare facilities and harnessing technology to build an effective, responsive healthcare workforce.

The inaugural Advancing Medical Education in Africa Conference was held on Monday and Tuesday in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.

It brought together more than 600 participants, including medical educators, healthcare leaders, policymakers, and students.

The conference focused on setting the stage for a new era in African medical education.

Speaking at the event’s opening on Monday, Rwandan Minister of Health Sabin Nsanzimana highlighted the need to harmonise medical training with community health needs and called for transforming hospitals into teaching sites.

“Why don’t we teach from the hospital and make it a teaching site? Let’s not separate academic doctors from clinical doctors. Instead, let’s create a system where doctors seamlessly integrate teaching and practice,” he said.

Delegates explored the role of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, digital simulation, and telemedicine, in improving medical training and patient care.

In a video message, acting Regional Director of the World Health Organisation Africa Regional Office, Chikwe Ihekweazu, emphasised the importance of integrating digital tools into medical education to improve learning outcomes and better equip future healthcare professionals.

With the theme “Innovation in Medical Education Practices,” the conference deliberated on reforming medical education curricula, addressing health inequities, and strengthening Africa’s medical workforce to tackle the growing challenges in the sector.

A key milestone of the conference is the launch of Africa’s first Consortium of Medical Schools, an initiative designed to strengthen partnerships and improve medical education standards across the continent.

The consortium is expected to enhance knowledge sharing, curriculum development, and research collaboration among institutions.

(Xinhua/NAN)