Biographies

Leaders in the field dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by endometriosis throughout the African continent.

Dr Viju Thomas

Dr Viju Thomas is the head of the Minimally Invasive Surgical (MIS) unit at the University of Stellenbosch. He works in both the private and public sectors, offering care in the areas of endometriosis, oncological surgery, and neuropelviology.

Dr Thomas spends much of his time training and teaching aspiring MIS surgeons in advanced laparoscopy and robotic surgery. He has authored many publications, serves as a reviewer for various international journals, and is a live surgeon at national and international conferences.

  • Head of Minimal Access Gynaecological Surgery (MAGS) at the University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg Academic Teaching Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.
  • President of the South African Society of Gynaecological Endoscopists (SASGE).
  • President of the Pan African Society of Endometriosis (PASE).
  • Chair of the Special Interest Group for Endometriosis at the International Society of Gynaecological Surgeons (ISGE).
  • Member of the Senate and Advisory Board at the International Society of Gynaecological Surgeons (ISGE).
  • ⁠Member of council, SASOG (South African Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists)

Dr Joseph Njagi

Dr Joseph Njagi is an advanced minimally invasive surgeon with more than 7 years hands-on experience. He has had the privilege of honing my skills in the field. Throughout his career, he attended numerous workshops, both locally and internationally, which have enriched his knowledge and expertise in the latest techniques and advancements in the field of minimally invasive surgery (MIS).

In addition to staying abreast of the latest developments, he often shares his insights and findings with his peers. He has presented at various forums, ranging from local conferences to international medical symposiums, where he showcased his research and discussed innovative approaches to MIS.

“My passion for advancing this field extends further, as I have become an advanced trainer in MIS. This role has allowed me to mentor and guide fellow surgeons, sharing my knowledge and techniques to help them improve their skills and drive progress in the field of minimally invasive surgery.”

He is dedicated to continually expanding his expertise and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in MIS. With a deep commitment to patient care and a focus on providing minimally invasive solutions, he strives to deliver optimal outcomes and enhance the quality of life for each of his patients.

“I am excited to collaborate with like-minded professionals, exchange insights, and contribute to the advancement of minimally invasive surgery on a global scale. Feel free to connect with me to discuss how we can work together in improving this field and delivering exceptional patient care.”

Dr Lusanda Shimange-Matsose

Dr Lusanda Shimange-Matsose is a Specialist Gynaecologist and board-certified Reproductive, Endocrine and Infertility Specialist from Steve Biko Academic Hospital, University of Pretoria (UP). Dr Shimange-Matsose is involved in clinical care in both the private and public sectors and is a lecturer at Witwatersrand University (WITS) training registrars in endoscopy and supervising MMed degrees. She has published in local and international journals. She has a special interest in PCOS, fibroid and endometriosis-related infertility. She passionately subscribes to holistic care encompassing and improving women’s quality of life and regularly gives talks on women’s health to different stakeholders within her field on interest.

  • Board Member South Africa Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy (SASGE)
  • Board Member Pan African Society of Endometriosis (PASE).
  • Member of the South African Society of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy (SASREG)
  • Member of the South African Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (SASOG)
  • Member of The International Society of Gynecologic Endoscopy (ISGE)
  • Member of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE)

Dr Abayomi Ajayi​

Dr Abayomi Ajayi is the Chief Executive Officer of Nordica Fertility Centre, with offices in Abuja, Asaba, and Lagos.

He is the founder of the Endometriosis Support Group (ESGN) and co-founder of the African Endometriosis Awareness and Support Group. His bias for endometriosis led to him championing continuous research, training and advocacy on the subject for over 18 years.

He is the Convener of the Dr Abayomi Ajayi Physicians Mentoring program, a platform that provides mentorship and guidance for young medical professionals.

He established the Fibroid Care Centre, a dedicated centre for minimally and non-invasive treatment of benign gynaecological conditions where the only HIFU machine in West Africa is domiciled.

Dr Spire Kiggundu

Dr Kiggundu Spire is a Gynaecologist and obstetrician working with Henrob Laparoscopy Hospital Kampala Uganda with special interest in reproductive health, infertility and endometriosis, I have trained over 70 specialists in minimal access surgery.

  • MbchB, Mmed obstetrics & Gynaecology Makerere University
  • Diploma of Minimal Access Surgery; WLH Delhi 2020
  • Fellowship of Minimal access surgery; WLH Delhi
  • Fellowship in ART India
  • President of the association of laparoscopic surgeons of Uganda (ALASU)
  • Founder and director of Henrob laparoscopy hospital Kampala
  • President of the world association of Laparoscopic Surgeons- Ugandan chapter
  • Associate member Royal College of Gynaecologists (RCOG) -UK
  • Member world association of laparoscopic surgeons; WALES
  • Member association of obstetricians and Gynecologists of Uganda (AOGU)
  • Member Uganda Fertility Society
  • Member World Endometriosis Society and EEL

Dr Ezekiel Mecha

Dr Mecha is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Nairobi, Kenya.

He holds a doctorate in human Biology from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health Sciences of Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany.

Dr Mecha has more than 15 years of experience in research, training and advocacy of reproductive health conditions including endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids and other uterine disorders.

Dr Mecha is an Executive Board Member of the World Endometriosis Society, a member of the World Endometriosis Society Mentoring Programme and above all, in November 2021, he was appointed the World Endometriosis Society Ambassador.

Dr Harald Krentel

Dr Harald Krentel is a specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics, a certified Gynecological Oncologist and a certified specialist in Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIC III (AGE)). He is specialized in surgery for deep endometriosis and gynaecological cancer.

The Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecological Oncology at Bethesda Hospital Duisburg, Germany is a certified centre for gynaecological cancer, breast cancer and deep endometriosis and adenomyosis surgery. Krentel is the author of several publications, a reviewer of various international journals and a live surgeon at national and international conferences.   

  • Director of Clinic for Gynecology, Obstetrics and Gynecological Oncology, Bethesda Hospital Duisburg, Academic Teaching Hospital, Germany
  • Head of Gynecological Cancer Center, Bethesda Hospital, Duisburg, Germany
  • Associate Professor at Department for Gynecology at Carl-von-Ossietzky University, Oldenburg, Germany
  • Visiting Professor for Gynaecology and Obstetrics at Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
  • President of European Endometriosis League
  • Vice-Chair of ESGE Special Interest Group Endometriosis
  • Member of Advisory Board, German scientific endometriosis foundation
  • Member of Advisory Board, AGEM, Germany
  • Member of ESGE SIG Reproductive Surgery
  • Medical Director of the Peruvian German Center of Gynaecological Surgery, CEGPA Medical Consulting, Lima, Perú
  • Board member of the German Society of Women’s Health in development cooperation, FIDE, Germany

Dr Charles Omwandho

Dr Charles Omwandho is a Professor at the department of Biochemistry and served as Dean, of the School of Medicine at the University of Nairobi from 2010 to 2014.

He holds a PhD in Reproductive Immuno-biochemistry from Newcastle University Australia (1998) and is an endometriosis researcher.

He was a member of the Joint Directors Consultative Committee, the highest technical advisory forum for the East, Central and Southern African (ECSA) Health Community (2010 to 2014) and a founding Committee member for the development of concepts, strategies, business plans and Establishment of The ECSA College of Health Sciences in Arusha, Tanzania in 2013.

He is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic, Research and Students’ Affairs at Kirinyaga University and a member of the National Universities – Industry Collaborations Committee, Kenya.

Prof Jamal Fikri

Endoscopic surgery and ART

President of Moroccan College of Fertility CMF

Board member and founder of Moroccan Society of Gynecological Endoscopy

Head of postgraduate degree on reproductive medicine. Abul Cassis University-Rabat

Head of IVF unit, Al Boustane Clinic- Rabat

International lecturer for SIRU, Global Congress of Hysteroscopy, Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction, African Fertility Society, Local Societies.

Book chapters and Articles

Dr Yamal Patel

Dr Yamal Patel is a highly experienced and board-certified OBGYN based in Nairobi, Kenya, with 20 years of expertise. He received his training at PGIMER (Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research), India, and has specialized in advanced minimally invasive surgery (MIS) as an endometriosis and excision surgeon, along with advanced hysteroscopic surgery.

Dr Patel is renowned for his skills in performing advanced DIE ultrasound scans, particularly for the classification of endometriosis and adenomyosis. He actively manages high-risk pregnancies, especially those with a history of obstetric complications.

As the immediate past chair of KESES (Kenya Society of Endoscopic Specialties), he has significantly contributed to the advancement of endoscopic techniques in Kenya. Dr Patel serves as the director of 3rd Park Hospital, a distinguished surgical centre and the first endometriosis centre in Kenya. The centre boasts state-of-the-art 3D laparoscopy modular OR and an integrated training unit. The hospital, under his leadership, offers training courses and workshops for medical specialists and nurses. Currently heading the training committee, he serves as the course director and is in the process of starting a fellowship program in MIS.

A founding trustee of Laparoscopy Mashinani, Dr. Patel is dedicated to promoting minimally invasive surgery in rural settings in Eastern Africa. He is a member of AAGL ( American association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists) and an associate member of RCOG (Royal college of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists).

With over 20 peer-reviewed articles and numerous international conference presentations to his credit, Dr. Patel has conducted more than 50 hands-on workshops in MIS as a course director. His primary passion lies in providing exceptional care for women and girls suffering from endometriosis and adenomyosis, aiming to minimize delays in diagnosis and offering multidisciplinary care to enhance their quality of life. His belief is rooted in preventing incomplete surgeries, complications, recurrences, and unnecessary repeat surgeries.

Dr Alin Constantin

Alin Stefan Constantin MD graduated as a medical doctor from the University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, Romania in 2007. He started his residency in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the National Institute for Maternal and Child Health “Alessandrescu-Rusescu” in Bucharest, which he continued at the Aschaffenburg Hospital in Bavaria and then at Nordwest Hospital in Frankfurt am Main in Germany.

He is now coordinating the Endometriosis Centre of the Albertinen Hospital in Hamburg, Germany. His main interests are advanced ultrasound diagnostic and minimally invasive surgery of deep endometriosis.