Proceedings of the African Pathologists Summit

Context.

—

This report presents the proceedings of the

African Pathologists Summit, held under the auspices of

the African Organization for Research and Training in

Cancer.

Objectives.

—

To deliberate on the challenges and

constraints of the practice of pathology in Sub-Saharan

Africa and the avenues for addressing them.

Participants.

—

Collaborating organizations included the

American Society for Clinical Pathology; Association of

Pathologists of Nigeria; British Division of the International

Academy of Pathology; College of Pathologists of East,

Central and Southern Africa; East African Division of the

International Academy of Pathology; Friends of Africa–

United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology

Initiative

;

International Academy of Pathology; Interna-

tional Network for Cancer

Treatment and Research;

National Cancer Institute; National Health and Laboratory

Service of South Africa; Nigerian Postgraduate Medical

College; Royal College of Pathologists; West African

Division of the International Academy of Pathology; and

Faculty of Laboratory Medicine of the West African

College of Physicians.

Evidence.

—

Information on the status of the practice of

pathology was based on the experience of the participants,

who are current or past practitioners of pathology or are

involved in pathology education and research in Sub-

Saharan Africa.

Consensus Process.

—

The deliberations were carried out

through presentations and working discussion groups.

Conclusions.

—

The significant lack of professional and

technical personnel, inadequate infrastructure, limited

training opportunities, poor funding of pathology services

in Sub-Saharan Africa, and their significant impact on

patient care were noted. The urgency of addressing these

issues was recognized, and the recommendations that

were made are contained in this report.

(Arch Pathol Lab Med.

doi: 10.5858/arpa.2013-0732-CC)