Symposium #4
Strengthening Systems for Pathology in Africa: leapfrogging to meet the needs
No invitations necessary; open to all conference registrants
Wednesday, 7 December 2016
15:30-16:30
CTICC room location: 1.6
SYMPOSIUM OVERVIEW:
Cancer is emerging as a leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa, but rolling out cancer treatment in global health settings has been seen as costly, challenging and nearly impossible. However, early detection of cancer may open the door to more affordable and effective treatments that will help overcome global healthcare disparities related to cancer. The key to early detection lies in providing local physicians access to a system that ensures rapid, accurate, and reliable pathology for primary diagnosis of cancer. The American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP), in partnership with the White House Office of Science Technology Policy and the Clinton Global Initiative, recently launched a 26.5 million dollar multi-year initiative to deploy full service pathology infrastructure for eligible countries to strategically to meet their population needs. Working in parallel and together, Steering Committees for Diagnostics and Technology, Care and Treatment, In-Country Medical Education, Bioethics, and
Monitoring & Evaluation have focused on each potential country to optimize success. The optimal solution includes the deployment of automated histopathology systems and integrated whole slide imaging systems linked through a customized laboratory information system to a dedicated team of pathologists from the United States. This long-term project will roll out
to 10 or more countries in Africa as well as Haiti. An overview of the project will be presented as well as experiences data from countries launched to date.
SYMPOSIUM CO-CONVENERS:
- Blair Holladay, American Society for Clinical Pathology, United States
- Doreen Ramogola-Masire, Botswana-UPenn Partnership, Botswana
SYMPOSIUM PRESENTATIONS: TBA