The ISQua conference, held in Istanbul this year, brought many different health professionals from all across the globe to discuss the latest initiatives, trends and research in the field of quality improvement, standards and accreditation. There was a substantial contingent from Africa this year including the presence of COHSASA CEO, Jacqui Stewart who received the Lifetime Membership Award from the ISQua board – an honour given to few and in recognition of her great contribution in the world of QI and accreditation.

Early Morning Meeting of the ISQua African Community of Practice.

Jacqui Stewart and Dr Sabelile Tenza from North West University. Dr Tenza is taking over the Quality Improvement and Patient Safety conference at Africa Health this year. Jacqui had done it for many years but is handing over the baton.

Jacqui Stewart with colleagues from Namibia.

Jacqui Stewart with Pinkie Letsholo, Gofaone Dolly Keitihetse & Caroline Mmmallori Basupang all from the Ministry of Health and Wellness in Botswana.

Patrick Gauchi from Malawi with Jacqui at ISQua. Patrick is now in charge of 7th Day Adventist hospitals in Southern Africa, including Botswana and Namibia.

The big announcement at the ISQua conference was that COHSASA was one of only a few accrediting bodies that achieved ‘AAA’ ISQuaEEA accreditation as an organisation, for its standards and its surveyor training programme from 2023 to 2027.