images/isrrt/Newsletter Nov 2009.pdf

ReportPACORI 2009The 5th Pan African Congressof Radiology and ImagingAbuja, NigeriaAugust 10-14, 2009Report by Caesar Barare, ISRRT Regional Director AfricaIntroductionBefore I talk about PACORI 2009, let me inform that I have had a busy time in the first half of this year. Immediately afterthe ISRRT Management Board meeting in Hong Kong, my travels took me to the Abuja, the Federal Capital of Nigeria. Thisis a blessed country in terms of both human and natural resources. Let me restrict myself to radiology; out of a populationof about 120 million, there may be only 400 radiologists and about 800 radiographers serving within the country.The Sheraton Hotel and the International Conference Centre in Abuja played host to the biennial PACORI this timearound. It was the first time this auspicious event was held in West Africa; the first four congresses were held in Kampala- Uganda, Dar-es-Salaam - Tanzania and twice in Nairobi - Kenya. This historic step has serious import that PACORI willtruly be a Pan African activity as was initially envisioned. Just to illustrate this before I narrate about PACORI 2009, thenext such session will take place in Lusaka – Zambia.Day 1This was dedicated to the traditional pre-conferenceworkshop on various medical imaging modalities mainlyon ultrasound. This was the case in Abuja. The participantswere mainly from various states within Nigeria.The LOC was kind enough to invite us later toa welcoming cocktail after a hard day’s travel andparticipation at the National Hospital – Abuja.African beauty delegates at PACORI 2009.Day 2The theme “Challenges of Radiological Practice in Africa”was aptly selected due to its current relevance in thecontinent. This was the first day of the congress whichconceded with the opening ceremony by Prof. BabatundeOshotimehin – Honourable Minister of Health on behalf ofthe Grand Patron of PACORI 2009 His Excellency Al HajUmaru Musa Yar’ Adua – President of the Federal Republicof Nigeria.Opening CeremonyIn his opening ceremony speech, thepresident commended the organisersof PACORI 2009 for hosting suchan event which is a likely forum forradiology professionals not only tointeract but share best practices anddevelop common strategies for commonchallenges with Africa. However HisExcellency was perturbed by the lackof policy or the non-implementation ofsuch on medical equipment donationto prevent the dumping of near-enduse equipment in Africa. This he notedwould affect quality service deliveryin the region. Another concern was the16 ISRRT Newsletter