Promoting Health Equity: Sheba Joins Forces With the International Society of Ocular Oncology for an Important Mombasa Event

Sheba has a long history with Africa, and for many years now, we have been proud to provide aid, share knowledge, and empower medical professionals across this great continent. 

Recently, we were delighted to partner with the International Society of Ocular Oncology (ISOO) and support the first ISOO conference in Africa, held in Mombasa, Kenya, between August 21st-23rd. More than 200 medical professionals from 50 countries attended the highly successful event, which was dedicated to addressing the continent’s most pressing ocular oncology challenges.

ISOO Africa: Bringing Together Leading Experts

While globally, many ocular malignancies, and retinoblastoma in particular, are highly treatable, this isn’t always the case in Africa, where patients often lack access to treatments that can save their vision and lives. At ISOO Africa, the most pressing ocular oncology challenges facing the African continent were discussed in detail, bringing together some of the world’s leading experts to explore steps and solutions.

A major driving force behind the event was ISOO Africa’s President and senior Sheba physician, Prof. Ido Didi Fabian, whose unwavering commitment to ocular oncology care and efforts to create change across the globe inspires us all.

Following several introductory remarks, including a memorable prerecorded welcome speech by the Head of Sheba Global, Yoel Har-Even, that highlighted Sheba’s view on the responsibility and privilege of improving global healthcare standards, participants enjoyed three insightful days filled with lectures and discussions. 

Among the keynote speakers from all around the world were Sheba’s Dr. Mattan Arazi and Dr. Vicktoria Vishnevskia-Dai, who spoke about treatment-responsive retinoblastoma complicated by vitreous hemorrhage and intra-arterial chemotherapy, respectively.

Besides professional sessions, the second day of the conference included a celebratory gala featuring traditional African food and live music, which served as an opportunity to network and unwind.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the event participants, the ISOO, and all the other parties involved in making this critically important event a reality. Sheba remains committed to advancing care in Africa, and we look forward to future initiatives.