Canadian Network for International Surgery

Published purpose

The Canadian Network for International Surgery (CNIS) program focuses on building capacity of high-priority dimensions within the health sector in Africa by strengthening the capacity of medical professionals and institutions through the development of new curriculum and the training of practitioners and instructors in surgical techniques. The program incorporates four components: (1) Safer surgery and obstetrics program including: Training in surgical and obstetrical skills, production, editing and translation of course material, development of new curriculum, and the development or rehabilitation of laboratories to achieve safer care for those suffering from surgical and obstetrical disorders; (2) Safer communities in Africa program including: Three specialized injury-prevention institutions, the development and piloting of new courses, and sharing information and strengthening capacity related to the prevention and treatment of injuries to achieve safer African communities through a reduction in the incidence and severity of unintentional injury; (3) African Information Initiatives including: Dissemination of courses, books and manuals, translation of manuals, and use of internet technology to provide, collect and share surgical, obstetric and injury related information to achieve safer individuals and communities in Africa through increased transmission of information; and (4) Canadian public engagement program: Focus on injury and maternal death, which involves awareness and prevention of critical injury and maternal mortality, and participation in international development to achieve expanded engagement and support of Canadian public for safer health care in Africa.