Editorial Board
Welcome to the Editorial Board page of the East and Central African Journal of Surgery (ECAJS). Our esteemed board is composed of leading experts in the field of surgery, dedicated to advancing surgical knowledge and practice in the East, Central, and Southern Africa region.
Prof. Faustin Ntirenganya
- University Teaching Hospital of Kigali, Rwanda
- Plastic and maxillofacial surgery, Global Surgery
-ORCID, Google Scholar, LinkedIn
Prof. Faustin Ntirenganya is Associate Professor of Surgery, Chair of the Department of Surgery and Director of Global Surgery Research Hub at the University of Rwanda.
He holds a double specialization in General surgery and Plastic surgery. He qualified as General surgeon from the National University of Rwanda, did his Fellowship in Plastic and reconstructive Surgery at the French College of Plastic surgery and at the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa. Furthermore, Dr Ntirenganya has a postgraduate interuniversity diploma (DIU) in Breast Oncoplastic surgery from Paris IX University, France and University diploma (DU) in clinical oncology from the same University. His research interest includes but not limited to global surgery, breast cancer, oncoplastic surgery and surgical infections. He has published more than 80 papers in local, regional and international peer- reviewed journals, participated and presented papers at a good number of international conferences. Winner of different awards and research grants, he is engaged in global surgery and strives for universal access to quality health care.
Dr. Mpapho Joseph Motsumi
- Department of Surgery, University of Botswana, Botswana
- General surgery
-ORCID
Dr. Mpapho Joseph Motsumi is the Head of the Department of Surgery and a Senior Lecturer in General Surgery at the University of Botswana. He completed his undergraduate training (M.D. in Medicine) at Charles University, Czech Republic (2003-2009). In 2011, he joined the University of Botswana as a Staff Development Fellow. He then went on to pursue his Masters and Fellowship in General Surgery (MMed, FCS(SA)) at the University of Cape Town (2012 – 2016). After completing his training, he returned to work as a Lecturer at the University of Botswana. He ascended to the Senior Lecturer post in 2018 and subsequently Head of the Department of Surgery in 2021. He was awarded a Fellowship by election, FCS(ECSA), by the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA) in 2022. He graduated with a PhD (Surgery) at the University of Pretoria in May 2024. Dr Motsumi is an active researcher with international and national awards. He is actively involved in clinical work and has a special interest in trauma care. His areas of research include general surgery, trauma and surgical education.
Prof. Chris Dodgion
- Division of Trauma and Critical Care, Medical College of Wisconsin, USA
- Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Global Surgery
-ORCID, Google Scholar, LinkedIn
Prof. Chris Dodgion MD, MSPH, MBA, FCS (ECSA), FACS is an Associate Professor of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He has been a fellow of COSECSA since 2022. He has served in a number of global surgery leadership roles including Association for Academic Srugery representative to the G4 Alliance, co-lead of the trauma subcommittee in the American College of Surgeons Health Outreach Program for Equity (ACS H.O.P.E.)/COSECSA collaboration with Hawassa University in Ethiopia, Treasurer of the Association of Academic Global Surgery (AAGS - https://www.academicglobalsurgery.org) and currently sits on the executive board of the International Federation of Surgical Colleges and editorial board of the Journal of Global Surgery (https://jogs.one). Through global collaboration, he seeks to strengthen trauma systems, expand quality improvement initiatives in low-resource settings, and address the global surgical workforce shortage through education innovation, ultimately leading to more equitable access to timely, affordable, high-quality surgical healthcare.
Dr. Barnabas Tobi Alayande
- Center for Equity in Global Surgery, University of Global Health Equity, Rwanda
- General Surgery, Global Surgery
-ORCID, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, LinkedIn
Barnabas Alayande a specialist general surgeon with the Center for Equity in Global Surgery and a Surgical Educator at the University of Global Health Equity. He has a background in medicine and surgery, theology, business, and global surgical care, and has been involved in surgical system strengthening in sub-Saharan Africa, development and delivery of novel, equity-driven contextualized surgical curricula at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His research focuses on sub-Saharan African trauma care, surgical safety and human factors, surgical education, improvisation with innovation, and the use of disruptive surgical technologies.
Dr. Ooko Philip Blasto
- AIC Litein Hospital, Litein-Kenya
- General Surgery, Global Surgery
-ORCID, Google Scholar, LinkedIn
Dr. Ooko Philip Blasto is a Consultant Surgeon at AIC Litein Hospital’s Department of Surgery in Litein, Kenya. He is a recipient of the Prof. Gerald C. O’ Sullivan medal for the best overall COSECSA candidate. He has been the program director for the General surgery training program under COSECSA & PAACS since January 2020, as well as an associate professor of surgery (global) at the department of surgery, Loma Linda University sine 2021. Dr. Blasto is dedicated to advancing surgical knowledge and practices in the region and has a passion for research that creates impact and improvement in low and limited resource settings.
Prof. Larry Onyango Akoko
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Tanzania
- Colon and rectal surgery, General surgery, Global Surgery
-ORCID, Google Scholar, LinkedIn
Prof. Akoko graduated from medical school in 2004 and completed his surgical residency in 2010. He specializes in surgical oncology, with a focus on gastrointestinal tract cancer. Akoko has served as the president of the Tanzania Surgical Association and is actively involved in developing surgical care in the country. He is currently working to strengthen surgical care at lower-level facilities and aims to establish a Tanzania-led global surgery platform. He has published several original research articles in peer reviewed journals and also served as a reviewer for many journals globally.
Dr. Chiapo Lesetedi
- Bokamoso Private Hospital, Botswana
- General Surgery, Hepatobiliary Surgery
-LinkedIn
Dr. Chiapo Lesetedi is a General Surgeon and Hepatopancreaticobiliary Surgeon (Qualified in South Africa) with 21 years of experience. He also holds a master’s in surgery from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa and is a fellow by nomination of The College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA). He is currently a lecturer at the University of Botswana School of Medical involved in both undergraduate teaching and teaching of surgical residents. He is the COSECSA Country Representative for Botswana and an MCS and FCS examiner for COSECSA. He is a member and past president of the Botswana Surgical Society and executive member of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association of Southern Africa (HPBASA). He is a member of International Hepato-Pancreato Biliary Association (IHPBA) and European-African Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (E-AHPBA). He currently works as a hepatobiliary surgeon in Gaborone, Botswana.
Dr. Akutu A. Munyika
- School of Medicine, University of Namibia, Namibia
- Colon and rectal surgery, General surgery, Global Surgery
-ORCID, LinkedIn
Dr. Akutu Munyika is a specialist General Surgeon, with great interest in Minimal Access Surgery as well as clinical research. He is passionate about medical education and medical technology and is currently the Managing Director of Ondangwa Private Hospital as well as a Specialist Consultant at the same hospital. Dr. Akutu is also working as a Specialist Surgeon at Onandjokwe Intermediate Hospital in Northern Namibia. He is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Namibia, School of Medicine and a fellow of COSECSA and the American College of Surgeons.
Prof. Faith C. Muchemwa
- College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe
- Plastic and Reconstructive surgery
-LinkedIn
Prof Faith Muchemwa is a surgeon scientist. She holds a PhD from Kumamoto University in Japan where she studied molecular biology relating to skin cancers mainly Melanoma. She has vast experience teaching Immunology to Medical Students. In addition, she is a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon with special interest in skin cancer surgery and reconstruction.
Prof. Rondi M Kauffmann
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA
- General Surgery, Complex Surgical Oncology, Global Surgery
-ORCID, LinkedIn
Rondi Kauffmann, MD, MPH, FACS, FCS(ECSA) is an Associate Professor of Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Physiological Sciences from UCLA and completed her MD/MPH degrees at the University of Minnesota. She is board certified in General Surgery (residency: Vanderbilt University Medical Center) and Complex Surgical Oncology (fellowship: City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center). Her clinical expertise is in the care of patients with melanoma, soft tissue malignancies, and breast cancer. She is the Surgical Director of Vanderbilt’s Center for Experiential Learning and Assessment, Associate Program Director for the general surgery residency program, Director of the Vanderbilt Global Health Equity and Access Leadership in Surgery program, Vice Chair for Global Surgery in the Section of Surgical Sciences and directs Vanderbilt International Surgery’s collaborative efforts with AIC Kijabe Hospital in Kijabe, Kenya. Her research efforts focus on global surgery and global surgical education. She lives with her husband and three children on a farm in Burns, TN.
Prof. James Geraghty
- Department of Surgery, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Ireland
- General surgery
Prof. James Geraghty is a distinguished Consultant Surgeon at St Vincent’s University Hospital in Ireland and an Examiner and Educator at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. He holds an MBBCh, BAO and a PhD from University College Dublin, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (FRCSI) in General Surgery. Prof. Geraghty’s research interests include hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and surgical education and training.
Dr. Gallina Kazobinka
- Kira Hospital, Burundi
- Urology
-ORCID, ResearchGate
Dr. Gallina Kazobinka earned her medical degree at Jiamusi university and her Masters in urology surgery at Tongji Medical College in China. She completed a two-year COSECSA fellowship program in Mozambique and Rwanda. The lack of surgeons in Burundi, especially in urology, prompted her to return to her country early in 2020. Since then, she’s been working at public and private hospitals and as a lecturer in urology at the University of Ngozi. Dr. Kazobinka first conducted research in 2016 at Wuhan Union Hospital and has since been actively contributing to the African surgical research landscape.
Dr. Christophe Mpirimbanyi
- Kibagabaga Level II Teaching Hospital, Rwanda
- Colon and rectal surgery, General surgery, Global Surgery
-ORCID, LinkedIn
Dr. Christophe Mpirimbanyi is a Consultant General Surgeon at Kibagabaga Level II Teaching Hospital in Kigali, Rwanda. He completed his MMED in Surgery at the University of Rwanda in 2017 and became a Fellow in General Surgery with the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA) in 2018. Dr. Mpirimbanyi serves as the COSECSA Program Director at Kibagabaga Hospital and is a hospital focal person for the School of Medicine and Pharmacy at the University of Rwanda. He has authored numerous papers in peer-reviewed local, regional, and international journals. His research interests span surgical care and outcomes, with a focus on surgical infections, emergency general surgery, global surgery, and surgical education. Dr. Mpirimbanyi is also the Vice-President of the Rwanda Surgical Society. His leadership and management skills were honed through various roles in his training and practice. He has received several awards, including the Distinguished Research Achievement Award from the Rwanda National Council for Science and Technology, and travel scholarships to present at regional and international conferences.
Dr. Fred Bisso
- Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda
- Head and Neck Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology
-LinkedIn
Dr. Fred Bisso is a senior Ear, Nose & Throat (E.N.T) consultant, at the Mulago National Referral & University Teaching Hospital and an honorary lecturer at Makerere University College of health Sciences. He is also a Commonwealth Professional Fellow, Fellow of the College of Surgeons of East, Central & Southern Africa (COSECSA), a master trainer at COSECSA. Dr. Bisso also serves as the program director for the COSECSA Training Centre at Mbale Regional Referral hospital, Uganda and a Certified COSECSA Examiner. He is also an MMed Internal Examiner at the Department of E.N.T, Makerere College of Health Sciences. He has formerly served as a part-time lecturer at the Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences, Mbale Uganda and as a Past President for the Uganda Medical Association. He has authored and co-authored publications in peer-reviewed Journals. Dr Bisso served as a practicing E.N.T surgeon at Mbale Regional Referral & University Teaching Hospital for 20 years. He has trained different health professionals and served in several leadership positions. He has a great passion for continuous quality improvement and is a strong advocate for excellence in healthcare and health professional training. He is keen on finding local solutions to local problems through innovation and integration of synergies.
Dr. Gift Mulima
- Kamuzu Central Hospital, Malawi
- Colon and rectal surgery, General surgery, Global Surgery
-ORCID, ResearchGate, LinkedIn
Dr. Gift Mulima is a General Surgeon trained and working at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH), the only tertiary and public referral hospital in the central region of Malawi with 7 million people. A Fellow, by training, of the College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA), holds a Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Surgery (F.MAS) from the World Laparoscopy
Hospital, and a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from the University of Malawi (now Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHES)). Currently, the immediate past president of the Surgical Association of Malawi and serves as COSECSA Country Representative. A member of World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons (WALS) and the African esophageal cancer consortium (AFrECC). He is a skilled diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopist and involved in teaching medical students and surgical trainees.
Prof. Jean Claude Byiringiro
- University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Rwanda
- Surgical Education, Global Surgery
-ORCID, Google Scholar, LinkedIn
Prof. Jean Claude Byiringiro is an academic surgeon dedicated to advancing healthcare and medical education in Rwanda. As former Head of the Accident and Emergency Department at The University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), he introduced a triage system that streamlined patient flow and set new standards for emergency care. Later, as Head of Clinical Education and Research at CHUK, he established a robust clinical education framework and online management systems that improved training and research coordination. Serving as Dean of the School of Medicine and Pharmacy at the University of Rwanda, he led reforms that included creating over 20 academic programs and enhancing admissions standards. His research in global surgery, focusing on injury prevention, has resulted in over 40 peer-reviewed publications and numerous research grants. Jean Claude continues to inspire future healthcare leaders and drive systemic improvements in healthcare and education.
Prof. Eric Sebastiaan Borgstein
- Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Malawi
- Pediatric surgery, Urology, Plastic and maxillofacial surgery, Global Surgery
-ORCID
Prof. Eric Borgstein trained in General surgery in Scotland and in Paediatric surgery in Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. Since 1992 he has worked as Paediatric surgeon at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre, Malawi. Since 2017 he has been surgical director of the Mercy James Centre for Paediatric Surgery and Intensive Care at QECH. He was appointed Professor of Surgery at the College of Medicine of the University of Malawi in 2008 and has also served as Postgraduate Dean. He has a longstanding interest in surgical training at all levels and has been instrumental in the development of the MMED in Surgery at the College of Medicine and the FCS (Paediatric surgery) in the College of Surgeon of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA). His research interests have included a long collaboration with RCSI with a focus on non-physician clinician training and mentorship. He has been on the Council of COSECSA since 2004: as Country representative for Malawi, as Chair of the Examination committee, as Secretary General and currently as Registrar.
Dr. Celestine B Mbangtang
- School of Medicine, University of Namibia, Namibia
- General Surgery, surgical oncology,
-LinkedIn
Dr. Celestine Mbangtang is a Consultant Surgeon and General Surgery Master Trainer with COSECSA & University of Namibia. He obtained his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Anaesthesia (DA) from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, Master of Medicine in Surgery from the University of Zimbabwe. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Scotland (FRCSEd), Fellow of International College of Surgeons (FICS) and a Fellow of the College of Surgeons of East, Central & Southern Africa FCS(ECSA).
Dr. James Munthali
- School of Medicine, University of Zambia, Zambia
- Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Surgical Education
-Google Scholar, LinkedIn
Dr. James Munthali is a Senior Lecturer in Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery at the University of Zambia, where he also serves as the Head of the Department of Surgery. He holds an MBChB and an MSc from the University of Zambia, as well as a Fellowship of the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (FCS) in Orthopaedics. Dr. Munthali’s research interests include global health governance, migrant health, and surgical education. He has published extensively on topics such as surgical preparedness, postoperative outcomes, and environmental impacts of surgery.
Dr. Kirsteen Awori
- College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, Kenya
- Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Surgical Anatomy, Surgical Education
-ResearchGate, ORCID, LinkedIn
Dr. Kirsteen Awori is a renowned consultant Orthopedic surgeon and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Human Anatomy and Medical Physiology at the University of Nairobi. He has a wealth of experience in clinical practice, surgical education, surgical anatomy and healthcare leadership. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, he has made significant contributions to the development of surgical training programs and mentorship of young surgeons across East and Central Africa. Dr. Awori is a Fellow of the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA) and an advocate for improving access to safe and affordable surgical care in the region. His areas of interest include trauma surgery, surgical oncology, and enhancing the quality of surgical systems in resource-limited settings. Dr. Awori is also an active researcher and has published extensively on issues affecting surgical practice in Africa.
Dr. Rose Alenyo
- College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Uganda
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
-ResearchGate, LinkedIn
Dr. Rose Alenyo is a Senior Lecturer at the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda, and a Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Kiruddu National Referral Hospital. She is a passionate advocate for enhancing burn care access, particularly for children and women affected by domestic violence. Dr. Alenyo has been actively involved in community outreach initiatives since 2003, providing free surgical interventions for conditions such as cleft lip and palate, post-burn contractures, and pediatric hernias.
Dr. Ainhoa Costas-Chavarri
- Rwanda Military Hospital, Rwanda
- General Surgery, Surgical Education
-ResearchGate
Dr. Ainhoa Costas-Chavarri is a dedicated general surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, currently working in Rwanda. She received her medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine and has over 20 years of experience in surgery, including hand surgery. Dr. Costas-Chavarri is passionate about medical education and serves as an instructor for medical students and graduates at the Rwanda Military Hospital. She is an advocate for women in all professions and is committed to improving healthcare in low- and middle-income countries. As a member of the GlobalSurg research network, Dr. Costas-Chavarri collaborates with international colleagues to support evidence-based medicine and enhance health systems in East Africa.
Dr. Kajombo Chifundo
- Department of Surgery, Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Surgical Oncology
-ORCID, ResearchGate, LinkedIn
Dr. Chifundo Kajombo is a PhD candidate at the University of Bergen, Norway, and a Merck Foundation Surgical Oncology Alumni from Malawi. He completed a one-year on-campus fellowship training in medical oncology through the Merck Foundation Cancer Access Program, which aims to build professional cancer care capacity in Africa. Dr. Kajombo is dedicated to improving access to cancer care and developing multidisciplinary oncology care teams in his home country. His work focuses on enhancing healthcare systems and clinical management processes to better diagnose and manage cancer effectively.
Prof. Berhanu Kotisso
- College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
- General surgery, Surgical education
-ResearchGate
Prof. Berhanu Kotisso is a distinguished surgeon, academic, and researcher with decades of experience in general surgery and surgical education. He is a Professor of Surgery at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, where he has significantly contributed to the training of medical professionals and the advancement of surgical research in the region. Prof. Kotisso has a special interest in gastrointestinal surgery, surgical infections, and public health interventions aimed at improving surgical care in low-resource settings. An active member of numerous professional organizations, including the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA), Prof. Kotisso is widely published and recognized for his dedication to improving surgical outcomes across Africa.
Prof. Hagos Biluts Mersha
- College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
- Neurosurgery, Surgical Education
-ResaerchGate
Prof. Hagos Biluts Mersha is a highly respected neurosurgeon, educator, and researcher with extensive expertise in advancing neurosurgical care in Africa. He serves as a Professor of Surgery at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia, where he has played a pivotal role in developing neurosurgical training programs and mentoring the next generation of surgeons. Prof. Hagos is a Fellow of the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA) and a leader in promoting access to specialized surgical care across the region. His research interests include neurotrauma, spine surgery, and innovative approaches to neurosurgery in low-resource settings. Prof. Hagos has published widely and is recognized for his commitment to improving neurosurgical outcomes in Africa.
Prof. Laston Chikoya
- Levy Mwanawasa Medical University, Lusaka, Zambia
- Neurosurgery, General Surgery, Trauma surgery
-ResearchGate, LinkedIn
Prof. Laston Chikoya is an Associate Professor of Neurosurgery, educator, and healthcare advocate with a distinguished career in advancing surgical care in Africa. Based in Zambia, he is a Professor of Neurosurgery, and Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration at Levy Mwanawasa Medical University. As the current COSECSA president, he remains a dedicated mentor to surgical trainees, contributing significantly to capacity building in the region. Prof. Chikoya is a Fellow of the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA) and has held key leadership roles within the college, promoting excellence in surgical education and practice. His clinical and research interests include neurosurgery, general surgery, surgery, surgical infections, and health system strengthening to improve access to quality surgical care.
Prof. Sergio Salvador
- Lenmed Maputo Private Hospital, Mozambique
- Neurological surgery, Global Surgery
-ORCID, LinkedIn
Prof Sergio was born in Maputo in 1978. He graduated in Medicine from the Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM) in Mozambique in 2007. In 2015 he completed his training in Neurosurgery at the Hospital de São João Porto and in the same year he completed his Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Porto. In 2017 he concluded the Fellowship by COSECSA. He was Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery and Clinical Anatomy at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto. He was Coordinator of the General Medicine Course at ISCTEM (2020-2023), member of the Young Neurosurgeons Award Committee at WFNS (2018-2022) and COSECSA member of the Examinations and Credentials Committee (2019-2023). Currently, in addition to his clinical activity as a Neurosurgeon, he is Clinical Director of the Lenmed Maputo Private Hospital, President of the Accreditation Council and the Council of Specialties of the Order of Doctors of Mozambique, Country Representative of Mozambique at COSECSA board and member of the Finance and General-Purpose Committee, and WFNS Education and Training Committee member. He is Associate Professor of Surgery at ISCTEM Medicine School.
We are grateful for the dedication and expertise of our editorial board members. Their commitment ensures the highest standards of journal’s publications.
For any inquiries, please contact our editorial office at managing_editor@ecajs.org.