The 2024 HCOWA West Africa Medical Summit and Expo commenced with an exciting opening ceremony on August 26, marking the beginning of an impactful and transformative event. The afternoon session brought together some of the most distinguished medical professionals from West Africa and beyond, to share their insights on critical healthcare topics in a dedicated forum.

Among the key speakers, Dr. Zhou Yonggang and Dr. Chen Xiaolu delivered a comprehensive presentation on the holistic approaches to diagnosing and managing ADHD in children. Their discussion highlighted innovative strategies and effective methods that are redefining how medical professionals address this condition. Dr. Daniel Ako Charway followed with an insightful presentation on combating tuberculosis, where he emphasized the importance of prevention, treatment, and creating awareness about the disease, especially in vulnerable communities.

Dr. Jia Jin took center stage to stress the vital role of medical education in safeguarding maternal health. His presentation bridged the gap between comprehensive training and effective medical practice, shedding light on how better-trained professionals are crucial for improving maternal care. This theme of maternal and child health was further explored by Dr. Edward Antwi, the National Program Manager for Newborn and Child Health, and Dr. Zhang Yan, an Associate Researcher and Deputy Director in Maternal and Child Health Management. Both speakers highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts to ensure the well-being of mothers and children across the region.

The forum continued with Dr. Qiu Li, who spoke on the latest advances and best practices in diagnosing and treating bronchiectasis in children, an area where early detection and innovative care have proven critical. Dr. Wang Qiao introduced the application of single-port laparoscopy in gynecological surgery, underscoring its clinical advantages and transformative impact on surgical outcomes for women.

Contributions from notable speakers such as Dr. Abraham Frimpong Baidoo, the National Program Manager for Maternal and Reproductive Health, further reinforced the event’s emphasis on the importance of improving health services for women and children. Alongside him, Dr. He Xiaochun, Associate Chief Nurse, and Dr. Gao Yan, a member of the Party Committee at Sichuan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, shared their experiences on enhancing healthcare delivery through innovation and collaboration.

The presentations concluded with Dr. Zhang Yong, the Director of the Neonatology Department, who brought attention to the critical role of neonatal care in improving infant survival rates and long-term health outcomes. His contributions highlighted the need for a robust healthcare infrastructure that supports both advanced medical training and clinical excellence.

The afternoon session culminated in an awards ceremony recognizing the exceptional contributions of the participating doctors. Their groundbreaking research, dedication to patient care, and innovative medical practices were applauded, underscoring the significance of collaborative knowledge exchange in advancing healthcare. The 2024 HCOWA Summit continues to be a critical platform for fostering innovation, excellence, and cooperation, setting new benchmarks for the future of healthcare in West Africa.