The history of the formation of the Pan African paediatric surgical Association (PAPSA)

Political change in the 1990s in Southern Africa influenced the long awaited formation of a children’s surgical association in Africa. Here, within is the historical account of the formation of the Pan African Association of Paediatric Surgeons (PAPSA). The basis of the argument for the formation of PAPSA was that paediatric surgeons from Africa have a wealth of experience and special knowledge of diseases affecting children in the African continent which differ substantially from those encountered in other regions of the world. This historical account is mainly from documentation by 2 of the organisations founding members. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s00383-018-4248-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.