The World Health Expo (WHX) wrapped up at the CTICC in Cape Town last week after three packed days of activity. Thousands of visitors streamed through the halls, exploring hundreds of exhibitions and attending a full programme of conferences. They were days of ideas, connections, and plenty of conversations—plus a good measure of exhaustion.
COHSASA’s stand was surrounded by cutting-edge medical devices, digital health tools, and the latest in AI diagnostics. Against this high-tech backdrop, our team was on hand to share COHSASA’s story – 30 years of strengthening health care systems across Africa. Our anniversary badge, displayed at the stand, drew plenty of attention from delegates and visitors keen to learn more.
One of the big themes on the exhibition floor was portable diagnostic technology, much of it powered by AI and designed for use in rural settings or in emergency and disaster response. Among the standout innovations was a handheld infrascanner that uses Near-Infrared (NIR) technology to detect brain haematomas, helping clinicians quickly decide who needs urgent CT scans and neurological care.
COHSASA contributed to the Quality Management and Patient Safety Conference, which featured a video link to Canada where Dr Ajibike Oyewumi, Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety Specialist, shared a bird’s-eye view of metrics of Africa’s progress in patient safety.
Highlights included:
- A surprise accreditation presentation: COHSASA CEO, Ms Jacqui Stewart, presented Dr Austin Okogun, CEO of Lily Hospitals Ltd (Nigeria), with the third accreditation certificate for Lily Hospital, Warri. The three-year accreditation, achieved in August, was a proud moment that inspired the audience.
- Expert leadership: The conference was chaired by Dr Sabelile Tenza (North- West University), with keynote addresses from Dr Gilbert Buckle (COHSASA Board Member and public health consultant, Ghana) and Mr Russell Rensberg, (Director, Rural Health Advocacy Project).
- Embedding quality: Ms Stewart moderated a panel discussion on breaking boundaries in leadership and asked how we can weave quality management and patient safety into the very DNA of healthcare institutions.
For the full programme of the Quality Management and Patient Safety Conference, visit:
https://cohsasa.co.za/african-healthcare-leaders-reimagine-patient-safety/
