SS11 OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE IN AFRICA

Abstract There is a global shortage of occupational and environmental medical (OEM) physicians. Many countries, especially LMICs, have no training pathways, certification processes or specialty recognition. Increasing access to OEM education in countries without formal pathways will increase competency in delivering occupational healthcare to workers and increase recognition of the need for formal training and certification pathways where none currently exist. The paucity of OEM physicians in Africa may likely be related to the lack of training opportunities. There is a need for African countries to develop OEM residency programmes and new methods of training - virtual or hybrid - to meet the needs for certification and re-certification of OEM physicians across Africa. There is a need to assess the current status of OEM education in Africa. Teaching OEM is limited, the situation getting dire in Africa with critical shortage of health workers while increasing numbers of workers are employed in high-hazard industrial jobs. Diplomas in OEM may be a shortcut for the shortage of OEM practitioners while schools are working on strengthening OEM given that occupational health is increasingly recognized as area of importance in Africa. Limited studies of occupational disease and injury in agriculture, mining, and manufacturing showed high prevalence of work-related diseases among workers and serious impact of workplaces on surrounding populations and environment, in the context of limited or non-existent occupational / environmental regulations. E-learning discussion forum and workplace field visits showed better results for acquisition of OEM knowledge and skills while reading textbooks provided good foundational knowledge.