With almost half the African continent's population being under the age of 18, the need for pediatric orthopaedics is massive and growing. It's in this area that CURE operates as a faith-based Christian charity hospital providing care without discrimination or cost to patients or families. CURE has hospitals in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Niger, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the Philippines, and has plans to expand this number over the next five years. The Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS) has launched a Pediatric Orthopaedic Fellowship in partnership with CURE Ethiopia and CURE Kenya. This two-year program is designed to train African surgeons in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of childhood musculoskeletal conditions. It is accredited by the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA) and follows a structured curriculum and training framework.
Three fellows are currently enrolled: Dr. Chelsea Shikuku, Dr. Peter Mukisa, and Dr. Yohannis Nigusu. They rotate between CURE Children's Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and AIC CURE Children's Hospital in Kijabe, Kenya, gaining experience in high-volume clinical settings. Both hospitals specialize in pediatric orthopaedics and have long-standing commitments to surgical education.
The fellowship combines clinical training with mentorship and spiritual development. Fellows are supervised by experienced consultants and participate in regular academic sessions, case discussions, and hands-on surgical practice. The program is designed to build technical skills and prepare fellows for leadership roles in their hospitals.
So far, all three fellows are bonded to serve within CURE hospitals after completing their training. This ensures continuity of care and supports CURE’s long-term strategy for succession planning. By investing in local talent, the program strengthens institutional capacity and helps meet the growing demand for pediatric orthopaedic services in the region.
The fellowship is still in its early stages, but the impact is already visible. Patients are receiving timely, specialized care, and the fellows are developing into confident, capable surgeons. This initiative marks a significant step forward in building sustainable surgical expertise in Africa.
Tim Nunn, MD
Program Director, Orthopaedic Surgery
Soddo/CURE-Ethiopia
