Why Cape Town Was the Perfect Host
The International Society for Hip Preservation (ISHA) made history in 2023 by hosting its Annual Scientific Meeting in Cape Town, the first time this prestigious event took place on African soil. The meeting brought together over 550 delegates, including leading orthopedic surgeons, clinicians, and industry experts. Cape Town’s selection as the host city underscored ISHA’s commitment to expanding its reach to underserved regions, highlighting the city’s role as a gateway for collaboration and education in hip preservation.
Identifying Africa’s Unique Challenges
A key outcome of the Cape Town meeting was uncovering the distinct challenges faced by the African region in advancing hip preservation practices. A pre-congress survey conducted with over 2,000 orthopedic surgeons across Africa revealed that access to skills training and early diagnosis were the most pressing issues, surpassing equipment supply concerns. This insight shaped the congress agenda, laying the groundwork for impactful regional initiatives.
Africa Day: A Catalyst for Collaboration
Africa Day, a pre-conference gathering, brought together 82 delegates from nine African countries to address these challenges collaboratively. Industry partners and clinicians agreed to work together to distribute knowledge and resources through the Mission Programme, a landmark initiative designed to provide training and equipment across the continent. This program officially launched in Nairobi in 2024 with live surgeries, cadaveric workshops, and training sessions for local surgeons.
Advancing Preventative Care Through Screening Programs
Preventative care emerged as a critical theme during the meeting. ISHA shared results from a pilot screening program conducted in African schools, which revealed that 17% of children screened were at risk of future hip problems. Early intervention based on these findings has already improved outcomes, reducing the likelihood of invasive surgeries later in life. These efforts demonstrate the broader social and economic benefits of proactive healthcare.
Fostering Inclusivity and Accessibility
ISHA is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible global community. To support underserved regions, the Society introduced the Friend of ISHA membership category, offering discounted rates and benefits for surgeons in low-income countries. Subvention funding enabled 85 African delegates to attend the Cape Town meeting, fostering knowledge exchange and professional development. ISHA also collaborated with the African Women in Orthopaedic Surgery Association to increase female representation in this traditionally male-dominated field.
Building a Lasting Legacy
The impact of the 2023 meeting goes beyond the event itself. The creation of the MEAFT regional committee, focused on tailored solutions for Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey, ensures the sustainability of the meeting’s outcomes. ISHA is also conducting a Delphi study to expand its research on preventative care, with plans to share findings at the 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting in Washington, D.C. These initiatives highlight ISHA’s commitment to addressing healthcare disparities and advancing hip preservation worldwide.
The success of the Cape Town meeting earned ISHA recognition as a finalist in the 2024 Incredible Impact Awards. This honor underscores the congress’s role in fostering collaboration, innovation, and meaningful change in underserved regions. By leveraging the congress platform, ISHA continues to build a legacy that extends far beyond the event, influencing global health outcomes and inspiring other organizations to pursue impact-driven initiatives.
Download the Case Study and Watch the Video
The 2023 ISHA Annual Scientific Meeting in Cape Town exemplifies how strategic events can foster global health advancements while creating meaningful legacies for host communities. Download the full case study to explore ISHA’s transformative journey and watch the accompanying video to see their impact in action.
