Lagos, Nigeria: 19 September 2024

The Allergy and Clinical Immunology Society (ACIS) Nigeria hosted the first ever World Allergy Training School (WATS) in the Western African region at the Marriot Hotel, Lagos state. The theme of the day was Optimizing Allergy Care and Education in Nigeria.

Dr. Olatunde Odusote, founder and chair of ACIS, served as the lead local organizer, supported by Dr. Yemi Osinaike and Dr. Tosin Amund. The WATS faculty included allergy specialists from the United States, Ghana, and Kenya. The incorporation of regional colleagues allowed for a richer discussion about shared problems, their possible solutions as well as creating more opportunities for regional collaboration while the American colleagues provided a wealth of knowledge from their vast experience in the field and an opportunity for continued mentorship and collaboration with the African team.

Dr. Elizabeth Kiragu (Kenya) served as the faculty lead, supported by Dr. James Tracy (USA), Dr. Maeve O’Connor (USA) and Dr. Hilary Andoh (Ghana). The interactive lectures, case-based discussions and workshops centered around management of asthma, allergic rhinitis, food allergy, atopic eczema, anaphylaxis and allergy testing. Fifty-three health care practitioners from different cadres, including sub specialists in other fields participated in the event. The participants showed great willingness to learn and interact with the faculty during the sessions and the breaks leading to a very vibrant experience. This served as a great start to advancing the acquisition of allergy knowledge and skills in Nigeria and we look forward to promoting the ESP/ WATS agenda in Western Africa and the region in the future.