RCSI has signed a memorandum of understanding with the College of Surgeons of East, Central, & Southern Africa (COSECSA).

COSECSA is an independent body whose aim is to foster postgraduate education in Surgery and to harmonise Surgical Training throughout the region of East, Central and Southern Africa.

Their objectives are to promote the honour and dignity of the surgical and allied health professions and to ensure that the highest ethical standards in the practice of surgery are maintained throughout the region and they wish to promote and encourage postgraduate education and research in surgery which is relevant to the region. In order to achieve these objectives, COSECSA has adopted a plan of action that aims to: set up surgical specialty training in urology, neurosurgery, paediatric surgery and plastic surgery; and establish a surgical skills centre in each constituent country. 

By signing the agreement with COSECSA, RCSI is committing assistance with surgical training in Africa through staff and curriculum development, provision of skills technology and training, the conduct of examinations and the development of web based educational programmes. President of the College, Professor Gerald O’Sullivan, said: “Through continued engagement with COSECSA we will have a positive and enduring impact on surgical standards in the region.”