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Upcoming Event

COSECSA AGM,
GRADUATION CEREMONIES
& SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE 2025

Dates: November 30 – December 5, 2025
Venue: Donatus Conference Center, Bujumbura, Burundi

⚠️ For your registration, visit COSECSA website.

For your accommodation, book your hotel.

139+

Accredited Hospitals

950

Residents in Training

600+

Graduated Fellows

About
COSECSA

The College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA) was established in 1999 by the Council of Ministers of Health of the EAC to address the shortage of qualified surgeons, particularly in district health facilities. The College is distinguished by its mission to train surgeons directly at their workplaces at affordable costs, while minimizing brain drain.

COSECSA offers training in several specialties, including General Surgery, Pediatric Surgery, Orthopaedics and Trauma, Neurosurgery, Plastic Surgery, Urology, ENT, and Cardiothoracic Surgery.

Today, COSECSA is the largest university-level institution in Africa dedicated to surgical education.

ABUC

Proud host of COSECSA 2025

The Burundian Surgical Society (ABUC) is a leading advocate for timely, safe, and affordable surgical care in Burundi.

Founded in 2007 by 14 surgical providers, ABUC emerged in the wake of the country's long-standing civil conflict, with a shared commitment to improving the quality of surgical care nationwide. From the outset, society has embraced a spirit of inclusivity, with a gynecologist,an ophthalmologists, and ENT clinician counted among its founding members.

ABUC became the 10th national society to join the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA), and currently supports two accredited COSECSA training programs at Kamenge Military Hospital and Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Kamenge (CHUK). In 2026, ABUC is supporting two additional training centers to open at Tanganyika Hospital and Hope Africa University/Kibuye Hope Hospital, further expanding much needed opportunities for surgical education within Burundi.

Since its creation, ABUC has organized an annual scientific conference in the capital city, Bujumbura, bringing together surgical professionals from across the country. These vibrant gatherings feature scientific presentations, hands-on workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities, fostering both professional growth and a strong sense of community among Burundi’s surgical providers.

From its original 14 founding members in 2007, ABUC has grown into a thriving society with 61 surgeons across all specialties, 12 surgical residents, and a growing number of passionate medical students — the future of the operating room.

We continue to actively engage both local and international partners, starting with the Ministry of Health, to advocate for enhanced access to surgical education, surgical care, in Burundi.

We are honored to announce that, in collaboration with the Government of Burundi, ABUC will proudly host the 2025 COSECSA Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference — a milestone moment for the surgical community in our country.

Welcome; Karibu iwacu, i Burundi!

Program of Activities

Discover the key stages of the event.

Training Workshops

November 24th - 30th 2025

Enhance your surgical skills and knowledge by participating in your preferred workshop.

Examination Day

December 1st 2025

Official COSECSA resident exams. It will be held at Cubahiro International School.

Annual General Meeting and Graduation Ceremonies

December 3rd 2025

COSESCA members meeting and graduation ceremonies at Donatus Conference Center (DCC).

Scientific Conference

December 4th - 5th 2025

Share knowledge and discuss innovations in the field of surgery. Take part in the discussions based on "Meeting the surgical needs in Africa through teaching and training."

Essential Travel Information

Burundi offers visa on arrival options for travelers:

  • Single Entry Visa (up to 30 days): $90 USD, ideal for conference attendees.

These visa fees are payable upon arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.

International Attendees: Please complete your visa application online before your trip using this link: Visa Application Form.

Need More Information? Check travel requirements based on your departure country at TravelDoc.

  • Vaccinations: If you're traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever disease, Please carry you yellow fever vaccination card.

  • Malaria Prevention: Malaria is prevalent throughout Burundi year-round. It's strongly recommended to consult your healthcare provider about antimalarial medication before traveling. Additionally, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and consider sleeping under a mosquito net to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

  • In case of emergency: Kira Hospital & Tanganyika Hospital

December in Bujumbura is characterized by warm temperatures and significant rainfall:

  • Average High: 28°C (82°F)

  • Average Low: 19°C (66°F)

  • Rainfall: Approximately 257 mm over the month, making it one of the wettest periods of the year.

  1. Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm temperatures.

  2. A waterproof jacket or umbrella to stay dry during frequent rain showers.

  3. Sturdy, waterproof footwear for navigating wet conditions.

  4. A light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings.

⚠️ For your registration, visit COSECSA website.

For your accommodation, book your hotel.

Book Your Hotel

Easily book your accommodation at our partner hotels, located near the conference venue. Enjoy exclusive rates reserved for COSECSA 2025 participants.

⚠️ Important: Trainees must first select their specialties from the dropdown menu below to be redirected to the appropriate booking page, ensuring accurate accommodation arrangements.

ABUC (Association Burundaise de Chirurgie) a été créée dans le souci d’opérer un rapprochement des praticiens, de leur discipline et de promouvoir leur spécialité au Burundi, ...

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