𝙂𝘼𝘾𝙊𝙋𝘼 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙣 𝘼𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖

𝙂𝘼𝘾𝙊𝙋𝘼 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙣 𝘼𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖

February 27, 2025

The Global Association of Clinical Officers and Physician Associates (GACOPA) has successfully concluded a landmark tour across Southern Africa, reinforcing collaborations and advocating for the professional recognition of Clinical Officers in South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.

Historic Engagement in South Africa
During the visit to South Africa, the GACOPA delegation, led by President Austin Oduor Otieno, engaged with students and faculty at the University of Pretoria. Hosted by IAPAE President Lumbani Thsotesti, the discussions focused on advancing academic partnerships, harmonizing training programs, and promoting research collaborations to elevate the Clinical Officer profession in the region.

Botswana: A Step Toward Stronger Institutional Partnerships
GACOPA played a pivotal role in the Botswana Clinical Officers/Doctor Assistants Workshop at Avani Gaborone Resort on February 20, 2025. Themed “Bridging Gaps in Healthcare: Demonstrating the Role of Clinical Officers in Botswana”, the workshop highlighted the need for improved policy frameworks to support Clinical Officers in primary healthcare.

Key moments from the event included:

GACOPA President’s speech emphasizing the vital role of Clinical Officers in underserved communities.

Boitekanelo College’s President, Dr. Tiro Mampane, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to expanding healthcare training into Kenya.

A high-profile courtesy call to the Kenyan High Commission in Botswana, discussing regional healthcare integration.

Zimbabwe: Policy Discussions and Legislative Momentum
In Zimbabwe, GACOPA engaged with top government officials, advocating for the reintegration of Clinical Officers into the national healthcare framework. The delegation met with Health Minister Hon. Dr. Douglas Mombeshora on February 24, 2025, to discuss:

The historical role of Clinical Officers in Zimbabwe and the need to reinstate structured training programs.

Potential investment from Boitekanelo College to establish a new training facility.

The invitation of Zimbabwean health officials to the 5th GACOPA International Conference in Birmingham, UK.

The following day, GACOPA met with Zimbabwe’s Parliamentary Health Portfolio Committee, chaired by Hon. Zhou P. This session resulted in key resolutions, including:

A commitment to introducing a motion amending the Health Act to formally recognize Clinical Officers.

Plans for a parliamentary benchmarking visit to Kenya to study its regulatory and training frameworks.

Government-backed plans to reintroduce Clinical Officer training programs in collaboration with Boitekanelo College.

The Path Forward The Southern Africa tour underscored GACOPA’s mission to strengthen healthcare systems by advocating for Clinical Officers’ professional development. With new partnerships forged and policy discussions initiated, the next steps include:

Following up on Boitekanelo College’s expansion into Kenya.

Supporting Zimbabwe’s legislative process and training reintegration.

Strengthening ties with the University of Pretoria for academic collaborations.

Ensuring high attendance at the 5th GACOPA International Conference.