Noumbiel: The Charles-De-Gaulle University Pediatric Hospital (CHUP-CDG) recently hosted its first Scientific Days combined with open house events, aimed at promoting minimally invasive surgery in pediatric care. This initiative, held from Monday, October 20 to Friday, October 24, 2025, brought together healthcare professionals and hospital staff, under the patronage of Dr. Patrice Forogo, Director General of the Commercial Bank of Burkina Faso, represented by Deputy Director General Serges Toe, and co-patronage of Issa Ilboudo, Director General of CHUP-CDG.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the opening ceremony took place on October 20th in the hospital's conference room, organized by the Burkinabe Society of Pediatric Surgery (SOBUCHIP). The scientific days centered on the theme "The implementation of minimally invasive surgery, a challenge for the pediatric surgeon in Burkina Faso," while the open days focused on "Neonatal surgery at CHUP-CDG and perspectives."
Professor Emile Bande, president of SOBUCHIP, highlighted the significance of this meeting, which not only allowed practitioners to share experiences but also invited the general public to understand the hospital's surgical work. "Families need to know what we do, to no longer be afraid of surgery, and to understand how to prevent certain domestic accidents," he stated.
Issa Ilboudo, Director General of CHUP-CDG, praised the initiative as a crucial moment in the collective effort to enhance surgical care for young patients. He stressed the importance of collaboration and innovation, recalling an African proverb: "Alone we go faster, together we go further."
Over five days, the event featured scientific presentations, video-assisted surgery demonstrations, panel discussions, and exhibitions. These activities offered pediatric surgery professionals in Burkina Faso a chance to exchange knowledge, share experiences, and build capacity.
The event also underscored the progress, challenges, and future prospects of pediatric surgery, a vital field for children's health. It's noteworthy that the hospital began its pediatric surgical interventions in 2004. The closing ceremony was held in a congenial atmosphere, leaving participants committed to advancing minimally invasive surgery across Burkina Faso.
A notable participant was Professor Ashwin Pimpalwar from the United States, who contributed his expertise in pediatric video-assisted surgery as a guest of honor.