World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) - Global Guardian of Digestive Health. Serving the World.

Mission and Vision

The promotion of the highest standards in training for, and the practice of, gastroenterology are central to the activities of the World Gastroenterology Organisation. Our focus is on the developing world and, in particular, on areas where access to high-quality training in gastroenterology remains problematic.

We have developed two major strategies: the institution of training centers and the development of a program to support those who are actively involved in the training process (see Train the Trainers). Both activities are coordinated by the WGO Education and Training Committee.

Goals of the WGO Training Centers:

  • To promote the highest standards in training in gastroenterology and endoscopy in the region
  • To develop a curriculum for training in gastroenterology based on current science, ethical principles and relevant to local and regional care needs
  • To expose young gastroenterologists-in-training to the most current knowledge in gastroenterology
  • To promulgate best practice guidelines in gastroenterology and endoscopy

Embedded in a local hospital / clinic, the Training Centres - with financial and expertise support from WGO - promote and facilitate the highest standards in GI training within best practice guidelines.

To date, 14 Training Centres have been established and approx. 1600 participants have benefited therefrom since 2005. WGO plans for the Training Centers includes the development of a global “Baccalaureate” in gastroenterology with WGO accreditation.

The organigram below provides a visual depiction of WGO long-term plans to establish a global network of GI Education and Training harnessing the output of all WGO educational programmes.

Organigram - What next

WGO Training Centers:

Meet the Trainees

Meet Dr Khadidjatou Sake Alassan

  • Dr Khadidjatou Sake Alassan from Benin at the WGO Rabat Training Center Dr Khadidjatou Sake Alassan hails from Benin and began specialty training in October 2007 at the WGO Rabat Training Center. Benin is a West African country about the size of Cuba with 8.8 million residents. However at present there are only four hepato-gastroenterologists in the entire country, two of which are in retirement. Upon her return home Dr Sake Alassan will be the first female hepato-gastroenterolgist in the country.
    WGO FoundationTo learn how you can help trainees like Dr Khadidjatou Sake Alassan please visit
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