African Federation for Emergency Medicine

Last updated
African Federation for Emergency Medicine
AbbreviationAFEM
Headquarters Cape Town, South Africa
Region
Africa
Fields Emergency Medicine
Key people
Joe Bonney (President)
Lauren Lai King (COO)
Shaheem de Vries (CEO)
Website https://afem.africa

The African Federation for Emergency Medicine is an international consortium of Africa-focused emergency medicine organizations.

Contents

Background

AFEM was founded in 2008 as a society of emergency medical societies, [1] but now focuses on the development and advancement of emergency medicine across Africa. [2]

As an advocacy group, AFEM is also concerned with the development of pre-hospital and in-hospital emergency medical systems [3] and has encouraged their development across the continent. [4] It is composed of eight national societies, twelve affiliate organizations, and more than 2,000 members from 40 different countries. [5] [6]

Research

AFEM aims to strengthen emergency care in Africa by leading collaborations and prioritizing health advocacy. By using strategic research agendas, AFEM has provided guidance for education and training, and facilitated the development of sustainable policies and frameworks to strengthen emergency care. [6] One author has said, "[AFEM] has produced the most concrete solutions responsive to the action items laid out in [ World Health Assembly] 60.22. AFEM’s first consensus conference, held in November 2011, laid the foundation in nursing care, specialist training, facility-based emergency care, out of hospital care and advocacy issues particular to the continent." [7]

Peer-reviewed journal

The African Journal of Emergency Medicine (AfJEM) is the official journal of the African Federation for Emergency Medicine. [8] It is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research, reviews, brief reports, case reports, and commentary on topics related to scientific, ethical, social, and economic importance to emergency care in Africa.

COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic the federation promoted Surgisphere's COVID-19 Severity Scoring Tool for use in 26 African countries. Several institutions started validation studies of the application. On 5 June 2020, in response to a scandal uncovering academic misconduct by Surgisphere, the federation recommended that use of the severity scoring tool be ceased. [9]

Affiliate organizations

National Societies

References

  1. Tesser, Martina (June 4, 2019). "Emergency Medical Service and Pre-hospital Care in Africa – Why is Important Building a Good EMS System?". Emergency-Live.
  2. Mundenga, Müller M; Diango, Ken; Mbanjumucyo, Gabin; Kabongo, Diulu; Tenner, Andrea G (2018-09-01). "African Federation for Emergency Medicine's Francophone Working Group – May 2018 Report". African Journal of Emergency Medicine. 8 (3): 123–125. doi:10.1016/j.afjem.2018.08.003. ISSN   2211-419X. PMC   6376917 . PMID   30815341.
  3. "About us | African Federation for Emergency Medicine | Charity | GivenGain". www.givengain.com. Retrieved 2019-06-23.
  4. Ouma, Paul; Okiro, Emend (September 18, 2018). "Traveling Far for Hospital Care in Africa". U.S. News & World Report.
  5. "Who We Are | AFEM" . Retrieved 2019-06-23.
  6. 1 2 "AFEM – African Federation for Emergency Medicine". www.emedevents.com. Retrieved 2019-06-23.
  7. Calvello, Emilie J.B. Dawn of the new era – emergency care integration in Africa's health systems.
  8. African Journal of Emergency Medicine.
  9. Offord, Catherine (7 June 2020). "Surgisphere Fallout Hits African Nonprofit's COVID-19 Efforts". The Scientist Magazine. Retrieved 19 June 2020.