The potential power of sub-Saharan Africa professional associations for biomedical/clinical engineering professionals

Abstract

Professional Associations for BioMedical/Clinical Engineering professionals in sub-Saharan Africa have great potential, since the needs related to networking, continuous professional development and advocacy at (inter) national level is needed to advance the professions, retain competent people and improve healthcare delivery. The Tropical Health & Education Trust (THET) has organized a Needs Assessment workshop in which 16 African countries participated. This paper describes the outcomes of a survey concerning the governance, management & leadership, financial management, functions, and sustainability of the participating associations today.