The Burkinabè Society of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy (SOBUHGEED) is hosting its 4th congress in Ouagadougou from November 4 to 6, 2026. The event was opened by Health Minister Dr. Robert Lucien Jean-Claude Kargougou on November 4. The congress focuses on "Liver Diseases: Current Status and Perspectives." The minister emphasized the importance of coordinating interventions, strengthening prevention and screening, and improving access to diagnosis and treatment.
Liver diseases, particularly viral hepatitis, pose significant challenges to the healthcare system in Burkina Faso. According to Pr. Sosthène Somda, president of the National Organizing Committee, these diseases can progress without visible symptoms, making early detection and treatment difficult. The congress aims to bring together health professionals to share experiences, knowledge, and reflections on recent advances and challenges in managing liver diseases.
The congress features discussions and communications on various themes related to liver diseases, including viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Pr. Somda stated that the event will enable participants to acquire new knowledge and formulate recommendations tailored to the realities of the healthcare system. The president of SOBUHGEED, Dr. Léonce Ilboudo, emphasized that the exchanges should help congressists improve patient care.
Dr. Ilboudo highlighted the importance of a comprehensive approach to patient care, including listening, explaining, and accompanying patients. He noted that each patient has a family and often significant concerns. The congress aims to promote a better understanding of liver diseases and improve the quality of care provided to patients.
Health Minister Dr. Robert Lucien Jean-Claude Kargougou stressed that viral hepatitis B and C remain major concerns. He emphasized that the congress is a crucial platform for coordinating interventions, strengthening prevention and screening, and improving access to diagnosis and treatment. The minister also highlighted the need to support research and surveillance.
The 4th SOBUHGEED congress has attracted participants from several countries in the sub-region, including Cameroon, Niger, Mali, Benin, Guinea, and Burkina Faso. The event provides an opportunity for health professionals to share experiences and knowledge on managing liver diseases.
The congress is expected to produce recommendations and new insights into the management of liver diseases in Burkina Faso and the sub-region. The participants will share experiences and best practices in patient care, and the event will contribute to improving the quality of care provided to patients with liver diseases.
Key points
- The Burkinabè Society of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy (SOBUHGEED) hosts its 4th congress to discuss viral hepatitis management.
- The event aims to improve patient care and coordination of interventions.
- The congress brings together health professionals from several countries in the sub-region.
