SRS274 - Strengthening vascular surgery in Sub-Saharan Africa: 1-year Kenyan experience

Abstract

Abstract Background Across sub-Saharan Africa, there is a growing burden of vascular disease amidst inadequate training opportunities. In Kenya, most vascular care is delivered by Cardiothoracic, General and Orthopaedic surgeons with limited specialist vascular training. We aim to build capacity to recognise, assess, and manage patients with foot sepsis, and limb- or life-threatening vascular disease through structured fundamentals and advanced vascular skills training courses. Methods The inaugural Fundamentals course was held in September 2024, followed in September 2025 by Advanced Skills alongside the second Fundamentals course. Structured surveys were administered to participants in both years, with a 1-year follow-up survey distributed to the 2024 cohort to assess application of skills and longer-term impact. Results 56 participants were trained across the 3 courses, with all courses oversubscribed. Faculty numbers increased through a faculty development scheme alongside new regional trainers from Ethiopia and South Africa. All participants rated the courses as relevant to their practice and would recommend them to colleagues. At one-year follow-up, all respondents reported improved ability to assess and manage urgent vascular presentations, and to perform fasciotomies, minor, and major amputations. 91% had referred patients to a vascular surgeon; 27% attended the 2025 Advanced course, with the remainder planning to do so in the future. Conclusions The programme has demonstrated sustained engagement, faculty growth, and oversubscription, underscoring unmet training needs. In collaboration with SSK, COSECSA, and RCS Ed, these courses show potential to strengthen regional capacity in vascular surgery, with Kenya emerging as a training hub.