REPORT: NSCCP BASIC COLPOSCOPY TRAINING COURSE. 2nd – 5th July 2024
From July 2nd to 5th, 2024, the NSCCP hosted a four-day bootcamp on basic colposcopy, featuring experienced faculty from across the country. The course was held at the Skills Acquisition Centre of the National Hospital, Abuja Nigeria. The course objectives were to;
i. Understand the role of high-risk HPV genotypes in the pathophysiology of cervical cancer.
ii. Understand the physiology of the colposcopic assessment procedures.
iii. Understand the technique of manipulating the colposcope.
iv. Recognize the colposcopically normal and abnormal cervix and appropriately select areas of the cervix for biopsy.
v. Understand and apply current risk-based management guidelines for abnormal cervical cancer screening results and precancerous conditions.
Day 1: Registration & Interactive lectures.
There were 50 (fifty) participants comprising consultants, resident doctors, general practitioners and nurses from different parts of Nigeria, from government and private sectors. Faculty was drawn from experienced practitioners actively engaged in colposcopy practice.
Participants register
Cross section of participants & faculty
Lecture in progress
Day 2: Demonstration Simulation & Formal Opening.
Day 2 activities centered around introduction of participants to the various types of colposcopes. The emphasis at this session was to acquaint participants with skills of operations and manipulations of the colposcope. Participants also had demonstration of ancillary colposcopic equipment and procedures like punch biopsies, loop electrosurgical excision procedures, and thermocoagulation. They were given the opportunity to have hands-on experience of these procedures by simulation on models comprising chicken breast. There was also practical demonstration of how to prepare the various reagents used in colposcopy.
There was a formal opening ceremony on Day 2 where the sponsors of the workshop MSD and the management of National Hospital Abuja (NHA) were invited.
The Chief Medical Director of NHA, Professor Raji Mahmoud represented by Dr. I.M. Liman Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, welcomed the participants. He reminisced about the inception of NSCCP at the National Hospital Abuja, spearheaded by the President Dr.Yinka Olaniyan, and his legacy of institution of the gynaecological oncology unit, incorporating a dedicated cytology and colposcopy clinic at the NHA. He assured ongoing support of NHA for the society and acknowledged the significant backing from MSD.
Dr. Zara Mairami, the society Treasurer, expressed gratitude to MSD and the National Hospital Abuja management for supporting the training. She highlighted the society’s evolution and called on emerging colposcopists to build upon the foundation laid by the founders. Dr. Abah on behalf of his team from University of Uyo,and the participants gave gratitude to the sponsors for enabling the delivery of such high quality training.
In his closing remarks, the NSCCP President thanked the sponsors, and participants, entreating the latter to build on the knowledge garnered at the training as a sound foundation in their progress to acquiring proficient colposcopy skills, initiate and enhancement of the nation’s capacity to ameliorate the scourge of cervical cancer colposcopy services in their respective centers.
Dr, Mashudu Madzivhandila representing MSD was unable to attend for flight reasons but would be present on day 3 to witness the training and encourage the participants.
Dr. Liman with course participants & faculty.
HOD Ob/Gyn Dr. I.Liman representing CMD NHA
Dr. Mairami presents conference materials to Dr. Liman
Photos from the event
We had visitors drop in from the University of Miami who incidentally were conducting a separate training in Abuja at the same period as the NSCCP colposcopy course. We shared experiences of our respective countries and exchanged ideas on ways to make colposcopy training available to a wider audience.
Day 3. Client Recruitment: Hands-on Colposcopy.
Day 3 was concerned with participants getting hands-on experience at colposcopy. Volunteer women were counselled by medical officers in their native language and their consent obtained for the procedure. The volunteers then proceeded in turns to one of six training cubicles, where experienced faculty guided the trainees in the skills of manipulating the colposcope in live situations, to obtain optimal views of the cervix, and identify the various colposcopic landmarks elucidated at the lectures.
Our Sponsors, MSD, represented by Dr. Mashudu Madzivhandila, Associate Director Medical Affairs, came visiting. He expressed words of encouragement to the trainees and acknowledged their commitment towards eliminating the scourge of cervical cancer in their various locations. He stated the commitment and support of MSD to NSCCP, as partners towards the eradication of the scourge of cervical cancer. He highlighted the role of MSD in this regard particularly through the HPV vaccine program which is currently on-going in Nigeria. The trainees in turn expressed gratitude to MSD for enabling the successful implementation of the training course.
Trainees preparing colposcopy reagents
Group with MSD representative Dr. Mashudu
The Nurses were on hand to assist in the training. They acquired skills in client mobilization and procedure room counselling. The experience would enrich their activities in their various posts at colposcopy clinics
Day 4 Hands-on Contd., Course Review & Certificates.
Hands-on colposcopy continued on the final day of the training. By the end of the training, each trainee had the opportunity at hands on experience on multiple clients. The course ended with a group review of the course by both trainees and faculty. The review provided an opportunity to discuss lessons learnt as well as challenges encountered during the training course. Overall, the general perception by the trainees was that it was a worthwhile experience. The faculty largely attested to the ability of the trainees to quickly grasp the fundamentals of colposcopy as well as the techniques of the procedure. Participants were urged to see the course as a foundation in their journey towards their ability to render safe colposcopy services. Avenues for further development were discussed.
Participants receiving certificates of attendance from faculty
Course Faculty, NSCCP BASIC COLPOSCOPY TRAINING COURSE 2024. L-R.
Dr. Qudus Lawal, Ag. Sec. NSCCP, Consultant Ob/Gyn, Irua Specialist Hoosp. Edo State
Dr. Rabiah Mahmoud, consultant Ob/Gyn, National Hospital, Abuja
Dr. Zara Mairami-Maiyaki, Treasurer NSCCP, Consultant Ob/Gyn National Hospital Abuja
Dr. Yinka Olaniyan, President NSCCP, Consultant Ob/Gyn, MD/CEO Green Acres Hospital, Abuja Dr. Abimbola Akinkuade, Consultant Ob/Gyn, Garki Specialist Hospital, Abuja
Prof. George Eleje, consultant Ob/Gyn, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Dr. Usman, Yahaya, Consultant Ob/Gyn, Federal Medical Centre, Gombe