Why Attend?

Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for over 85% of oesophageal cancer cases globally and is the most common subtype in low- and middle-income countries, including Sub-Saharan Africa.

Developed through the Africa Connect Project, this blended-learning course is designed to empower African gastroenterologists and surgical endoscopists with the knowledge and skills needed to improve OSCC detection and treatment outcomes.

By strengthening regional capacity, the course aims to promote equitable access to care and improve survival rates and quality of life for OSCC patients.

Course Format

This course includes:

• A webinar series open to all eligible African endoscopists

• Job shadowing opportunities at IPO Porto for selected participants in leadership roles

• On-the-job training at African centres by visiting European experts

Webinar Series

Each session features renowned international faculty and real-world insights into OSCC care.

Who Should Attend?

The course is intended for:

• Gastroenterologists and surgical endoscopists

• Based in African clinical centres with therapeutic endoscopy capacity

• Located in high-risk OSCC regions

Note: This course does not certify participants to perform endoscopy. Certification must be obtained through national regulatory bodies.

Course Aims & Learning Outcomes

This programme aims to strengthen participants’ competencies in upper GI endoscopy for the screening, diagnosis, and management of OSCC.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Analyse OSCC epidemiological trends and risk factors in Africa

• Apply current guidelines in diagnostic and biopsy procedures

• Implement evidence-based endoscopic therapy techniques

• Support advanced OSCC patients through nutritional interventions

Application Information

Vacancies: 150 per webinar
Cost: Free of charge, but prior application is required
Apply to: One or more webinars

Application Periods

• Webinar 1 (Epidemiology): 19 May – 20 June 2025

• Webinar 2 (Diagnosis): 19 May – 18 July 2025

• Webinar 3 (Resection): 19 May – 22 August 2025

• Webinar 4 (Palliation): 19 May – 19 September 2025

Selection is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Apply here via Microsoft Forms
For questions: afroc@ipoporto.min-saude.pt

Train-the-Trainer Component

Job Shadowing at IPO Porto and on-the-job training in African centres are reserved for selected participants in leadership roles who will disseminate training within their regions.

Course Coordination

Scientific Coordinators

• Mário Dinis Ribeiro (IPO Porto, Portugal)

• Amos Mwasamwaja (Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute, Tanzania)

Pedagogical Coordinator

• Patrícia Alves (IPO Porto, Portugal)

Trainers
Alanna Ebigbo · Amos Mwasamwaja · Doreen T. Eliah · Kennedy Misso · Lars Aabakken · Lúcio Lara Santos · Mário Dinis Ribeiro · Michael Mwachiro

Project Managers
Idah Kinya · Anne Heerklotz

Partners & Support

Project Partners

• AFROC

• EPOP

Funding

• International Cancer Foundation

Contact

📧 Email: afroc@ipoporto.min-saude.pt
🌐 Website: https://afrocproject.com