BORAMA, Somaliland – The second day of the SAHA 6th Annual Continuing Medical Education (CME) Convention 2026 took a deep dive into surgical safety today, headlined by a critical session on managing the rising challenge of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in operative care.
The spotlight of the day was an intensive lecture delivered by Dr. Hussein Hanfi of Howard University, Washington, D.C. Addressing a packed room of healthcare professionals and academics at the Safari Hotel, Dr. Hanfi’s presentation, “Pre-Operative Assessment in Patients with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs),” provided a roadmap for reducing surgical risks in an era where chronic conditions are increasingly prevalent.
Prioritizing Perioperative Safety
Dr. Hanfi’s session focused on the high-stakes environment of perioperative care, specifically for patients suffering from diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cardiovascular disease. He argued that the success of a surgical procedure is often determined long before the first incision is made.
“Thorough pre-operative evaluation is not optional; it is the foundation of patient safety,” Dr. Hanfi emphasized. He detailed the necessity of rigorous laboratory investigations, cardiac assessments, and pulmonary function testing to identify potential complications before they occur.
Tools for Evidence-Based Decision Making
A key highlight of the lecture was the introduction of internationally recognized risk stratification tools. Dr. Hanfi trained participants on the practical application of:
- The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Classification: To gauge a patient’s overall physical health.
- The Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI): To predict and manage potential cardiac events during and after surgery.
These tools are designed to move clinical decision-making away from intuition and toward a standardized, evidence-based approach.
The Multidisciplinary Approach
Dr. Hanfi also addressed the logistical complexities of perioperative management. His lecture covered the vital process of medication reconciliation—ensuring a patient’s chronic medications are managed correctly around the time of surgery—and the diverging strategies required for elective versus emergency procedures.
The core of his message was the need for a “multidisciplinary care pathway.” Dr. Hanfi called for increased collaboration between surgeons, anesthesiologists, internists, and primary care providers. This team-based approach, he noted, is essential to minimizing postoperative complications and improving long-term recovery outcomes in the region.
Strengthening Regional Healthcare
The session sparked an energetic discussion among the local and international delegates, highlighting the shared challenges of managing the NCD burden across Somaliland’s healthcare system.
The SAHA 6th Annual CME Convention is organized by the Amoud University School of Health Sciences. By bringing in global experts like Dr. Hanfi, the university continues to position itself as a leader in medical innovation and professional development.
As the convention continues through its final sessions, the focus remains on equipping Somaliland’s medical workforce with the modern skills necessary to deliver world-class patient care.
Event Summary:
- Event: SAHA 6th Annual CME Convention 2026
- Key Speaker: Dr. Hussein Hanfi (Howard University)
- Location: Safari Hotel, Borama
- Organizer: Amoud University – Collage of Health Sciences/ Center for Community Services/ Office of Protocol and University Events
