BIA/ECSACOP EXCHANGE PROGRAM

In 2024, the BIA/ECSACOP Exchange Programme was officially launched at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) by Dr. Joanna Herman of the British Infection Association (BIA), in partnership with the East, Central, and Southern Africa College of Physicians. Following the launch, both organizations issued a joint call for applications, inviting interested candidates to apply for this inaugural exchange opportunity.

Dr. Samantha Musasa, an Internal Medicine resident based in Zomba, Malawi, was selected as the successful candidate. In May 2025, she travelled to the United Kingdom for a four-week clinical observership. During her visit, she also presented at the BIA 27th Annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting and the BIA Spring Trainee Day held in Newcastle, further strengthening academic and professional collaboration between the two institutions.

In reciprocal exchange, Dr. Matthew Beaumont, a Registrar in Infectious Diseases in Sheffield, United Kingdom, travelled to Zomba Central Hospital, Malawi, in August 2025 for a four-week clinical observership. Following his placement, he attended and delivered a presentation at the 10th ECSACOP Scientific Conference, held in Mombasa, Zambia, from 27th to 30th August 2025.

The articles below provide a comprehensive account of the programme, from its inception and launch to the successful completion of the first exchange cycle. Readers are encouraged to review them for further details on the development, implementation, and impact of this collaborative initiative.

Programme Photo Gallery