isrrt Newsletter Volume 45. No.2 - 2009

Report
PACORI 2009
The 5th Pan African Congress
of Radiology and Imaging
Abuja, Nigeria
August 10-14, 2009
Report by Caesar Barare, ISRRT Regional Director Africa
Introduction
Before I talk about PACORI 2009, let me inform that I have had a busy time in the first half of this year. Immediately after
the ISRRT Management Board meeting in Hong Kong, my travels took me to the Abuja, the Federal Capital of Nigeria. This
is a blessed country in terms of both human and natural resources. Let me restrict myself to radiology; out of a population
of 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 time
around. 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 will
truly be a Pan African activity as was initially envisioned. Just to illustrate this before I narrate about PACORI 2009, the
next such session will take place in Lusaka – Zambia.
Day 1
This was dedicated to the traditional pre-conference
workshop on various medical imaging modalities mainly
on ultrasound. This was the case in Abuja. The participants
were mainly from various states within Nigeria.
The LOC was kind enough to invite us later to
a welcoming cocktail after a hard day’s travel and
participation at the National Hospital – Abuja.
African beauty delegates at PACORI 2009.
Day 2
The theme “Challenges of Radiological Practice in Africa”
was aptly selected due to its current relevance in the
continent. This was the first day of the congress which
conceded with the opening ceremony by Prof. Babatunde
Oshotimehin – Honourable Minister of Health on behalf of
the Grand Patron of PACORI 2009 His Excellency Al Haj
Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua – President of the Federal Republic
of Nigeria.
Opening Ceremony
In his opening ceremony speech, the
president commended the organisers
of PACORI 2009 for hosting such
an event which is a likely forum for
radiology professionals not only to
interact but share best practices and
develop common strategies for common
challenges with Africa. However His
Excellency was perturbed by the lack
of policy or the non-implementation of
such on medical equipment donation
to prevent the dumping of near-end
use equipment in Africa. This he noted
would affect quality service delivery
in the region. Another concern was the
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