Sustainable Global Health Initiatives: Improving Access to Anesthesia Care in Cameroon-Sustainable Global Health Initiatives: Improving Access to Anesthesia Care in Cameroon

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In a recent presentation led by Jennifer Squibbs from the Professional Development Committee, attendees were reminded about using the AANA app for submitting CE credits and were informed about the deadline for entering evaluations for credit. Squibbs emphasized the 2025 Annual Congress in Nashville and the opening date for abstract submissions. Dr. Edwin Aroque and Dr. Christian Tecway, the keynote speakers, discussed their work to improve anesthesia care in Cameroon. They elaborated on global health challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where poor-quality care can sometimes be worse than no care at all. <br /><br />Aroque highlighted the importance of focusing on high-quality anesthesia care rather than only aiming for universal access. They addressed disparities in surgical and anesthesia outcomes and the burgeoning need for both in these regions. To tackle these issues sustainably, they emphasized empowering local healthcare providers, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and ensuring interventions are culturally sensitive and ethically sound.<br /><br />Their association, the Association of Cameroonian Nurse Anesthetists in America (ACNA), has initiated several projects to improve anesthesia standards in Cameroon. These include educational conferences, forming the national Association of Nurse Anesthetists in Cameroon, and launching a master's program in anesthesia and critical care at the University of Boya. The association also focuses on capacity-building, professional development, and ethical standards while engaging local communities to ensure long-term sustainability and local ownership of projects.<br /><br />The speakers shared lessons learned, highlighting the significance of not fostering dependency, aligning expectations with reality, and sustaining long-term educational efforts to drive lasting improvements in anesthesia care in Cameroon and similar settings.

Keywords

AANA app

CE credits

2025 Annual Congress

Nashville

abstract submissions

anesthesia care

Cameroon

global health challenges

Association of Cameroonian Nurse Anesthetists in America

educational conferences

sustainable healthcare