Anesthesiologists are specialist medical doctors who involved the care of patients before, during and after surgery. They are experts in ventilation, resuscitation, pain management and much more; Without anesthesia people can’t have surgery.
Currently, 5 billion people are without access to safe and affordable anaesthesia services, more than 80% of children in the world’s poorest countries are likely to have required surgical treatment by 15 years old.
It is estimated that every year over 17million people die from surgical diseases and trauma. This is three times more than the total number of deaths caused by HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria.
Globally people are suffering due to a lack of access to safe surgery and anesthesia. This includes access to procedures that are often straightforward and cost effective.
In the world’s poorest countries 9 out of 10 anesthesia departments do not have the equipment to provide a safe anaesthetic to a child.
More than 290,000 women die from pregnancy and birth complications every year – 90% of these deaths are preventable.
One of the greatest challenges facing the global health community is the lack of investment in anaesthesia and the anaesthesia workforce.
Currently it was estimated that there was a shortage of more than 1 million specialist surgeons, anaesthesiologists and obstetricians worldwide. Analysis shows that Rwanda has 1 anaesthesiologist per 400,000 people.
The All African Anesthesia Congress is co-convened by the Rwandan Society of Anesthesiologists and the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists. The AAAC brings together Africa’s anaesthesia community and leading figures from across the world to share knowledge, network and identify ways to strengthen anesthesia services across the continent.
Team Members representing AWFSA in the meeting
The World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA) is the foremost global alliance of anaesthesiologists, with 132 member societies representing 143 countries and over 300,000 anaesthesiologists. The WFSA unites hundreds of thousands of anaesthesiologists from over 150 countries to improve patient care and access to safe anaesthesia and perioperative medicine.
With a physician led and patient focused approach we train thousands of anaesthesia providers every year, provide open access to online continuing medical education, and advocate for surgery and anaesthesia as an essential component of Universal Health Coverage.
Kristine Stave, CEO of World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists says that: “It was fantastic to hear the Minister of Health of Rwanda Dr Daniel Ngamije recognised how vital a well-funded anaesthesia service is to Rwanda’s health. WFSA welcome the opportunity to work with the Government of Rwanda in its efforts to strengthen the anaesthesia workforce. ”
Gradian Health Systems has returned to the highly anticipated 8th All Africa Anesthesia Congress (AAAC) as a sponsor.
Gradian Health Systems Showcasing new partnerships and products designed to address gaps in the global healthcare market with keen attention on Rwanda, East Africa and the continent in general.
At AAAC 2022, representatives from over 50 African countries were gathering to discuss challenges, best practices and solutions in anesthesia and critical care.
During the event, Gradian launches K-O2, its newest product alongside manufacturing partners Canon Virginia Inc. (CVI) and product development partner 10XBeta.
The K-O2 is a point of care oxygen generator and delivery system designed to improve oxygen access across a variety of healthcare facilities, an urgent need exasperated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Gradian also launch a redesigned version of its flagship product, the UAM, an anesthesia machine designed to work in the absence of electricity and medical oxygen.
Commenting on the company’s commitment to improved healthcare, the CEO of Gradian, Lina Sayed said : “We have seen exceptional leadership on the African continent, especially during the last 2+ years of an ongoing global pandemic. We know that our greatest strength is the healthcare providers who have worked endlessly to provide high- quality care to patients, which is why we’re especially excited to launch new anesthesia and oxygen therapy innovations developed based on the feedback of doctors across the continent.”
Lina Sayed CEO of Gradian Health systems
Gradian also showcase new anesthesia and ventilation solutions for enhanced delivery of exceptional products to customers, made available through partnerships with world-class companies like Penlon, Amoul, and MTTS.
Gradian Health Systems is a nonprofit medical technology company that works in partnership with healthcare providers to design and introduce user-centric solutions that address gaps in technology solutions, training, and customer service.
With innovations in anesthesia, critical care, and oxygen therapy, Gradian has enabled healthcare teams to provide high-quality, safe care to more than 2.2 million patients across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Working in partnership with health facilities, national governments, global NGOs, and medical technology partners, Gradian is also revolutionizing the way that life-changing innovations are introduced by ensuring that healthcare providers are fully equipped to use their products with a hands-on training and reliable customer support model.
KAYITESI Carine
