In April 2026, the ACS Health Outreach Program for Equity in Global Surgery (ACS H.O.P.E.®) convened workplan meetings with two long-standing partners—University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka, Zambia, and Hawassa University in Hawassa, Ethiopia—to review progress, strengthen collaboration, and establish priorities for the years ahead.
Held just days apart, the meetings brought together hospital and university leadership, faculty, residents, nursing representatives, Ministry of Health stakeholders, and ACS volunteer experts to assess achievements across the partnerships’ four core pillars: Clinical Care, Education, Research, and Quality Improvement.
Across both institutions, discussions highlighted substantial progress in expanding surgical capacity and strengthening training programs. Participants reported advances in minimally invasive surgery, trauma education, research mentorship, quality improvement initiatives, and the development of data systems designed to support better patient outcomes and program evaluation. In Zambia, stakeholders highlighted continued growth of the kidney transplant program, vascular access services, and perioperative data infrastructure. In Ethiopia, participants celebrated progress in oncology services, simulation-based education, Advanced Trauma Life Support® (ATLS®) training, and implementation of a REDCap-based surgical registry.
A common theme emerged from both meetings: the partnerships are entering a new phase focused on sustainability. While early years emphasized establishing programs and expanding clinical services, current priorities center on strengthening the systems that support long-term success. Participants emphasized the importance of reliable data, standardized processes, coordinated planning, local leadership development, and strong mentorship structures to ensure continued progress.
Workgroup discussions generated active participation from faculty, trainees, nurses, administrators, and ACS volunteers. Conversations reflected growing confidence in local expertise and leadership, as well as a shared commitment to building integrated systems that connect clinical care, education, research, and quality improvement.
Participants in both countries identified priorities for the coming year that include expanding minimally invasive surgery and trauma training, strengthening research mentorship and tracking systems, improving clinical documentation and data quality, advancing quality improvement initiatives, and enhancing communication and coordination across workgroups. Discussions also focused on longer-term goals, including sustainable locally led programs, stronger institutional infrastructure, and the development of regional centers of excellence for surgical care, education, and innovation.
The meetings reinforced the value of collaborative planning and shared accountability in advancing global surgery partnerships. As ACS H.O.P.E., UTH, Hawassa University, and their partners continue their work together, the priorities identified this spring will help guide efforts to strengthen surgical systems and improve access to safe, high-quality surgical care for patients throughout Zambia and Ethiopia.
