CASIEF has been developing a relationship with the Society of Anesthesia and Reanimation of Burkina Faso (SARMU-B) and the anesthesiologists of Burkina Faso for the past few years. Initially, SARMU-B reached out to CASIEF about the critical shortage of pulse oximeters in the country. Through the generous donations of CASIEF members and friends, 117 pulse oximeters and 28 neonatal probes were distributed at a Lifebox Training Course co-facilitated by CASIEF Past-Chair, Dr. Angela Enright.
CASIEF has enjoyed a partnership with the Burkina Faso Society of Anesthetists since 2015. The President of this Society spoke about the challenges of establishing an anesthesia residency training program in Burkina Faso, a French-speaking country in western Africa. Our first initiative was teaching the SAFE-Obstetrics course to 32 anesthesia providers and developed 15 course instructors. These anesthesiologists have been running the course throughout their country, with financial assistance from CASIEF and WFSA.
CASIEF is continuing its support of anesthesia in Burkina Faso by sponsoring anesthesiologists to attend international anesthesiology meetings. Dr. Cheik Bougouma presented a poster on his work on pulse oximetry and the Surgical Safety Checklist in Burkina Faso. We are supporting a pediatric anesthesiologist from Burkina Faso to participate in the formation of a Global Initiative for Children’s Surgery. This is a group of surgeons and anesthesiologists who want to make sure that children are not forgotten in the global push for safe surgery. Dr. Bertille Ki represents the views of pediatric anesthesiologists from French West Africa.
Although CASIEF is not sending in-person volunteers to Burkina Faso due to security issues, we have maintained an active partnership. Canadian anesthesiologists can get involved in virtual teaching and donation of funds to purchase equipment. Please contact info@casief.ca for further information.
Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society
International Education Foundation
455 Danforth Ave, Unit 469
Toronto, ON Canada
M4K 1P1
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