Meet Mr Segun Komolafe, a remarkable individual whose dedication to improving surgical care in Africa, and beyond, stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to global surgery, and doing a small bit towards helping alleviate the ‘Global Burden of Surgical Disease’, as defined by the World Health Organisation.
For the past decade, Mr Komolafe has devoted his time and expertise to supporting surgeons and hospitals in Africa, providing high-quality, modern surgical care to those who previously had limited access. A full-time general surgical consultant at University Hospital Wishaw, his involvement in global surgery extends far beyond his professional obligations.
Mr Komolafe travels to Africa at least twice a year, in his own time, to try to make a tangible difference in communities. He donates NHS surgical instruments, which might otherwise be discarded, to hospitals in Africa. This re-allocation of equipment has enabled these hospitals to offer better minimally invasive care to their patients. He has planned and helped lead surgical skills labs in Nigeria, Malawi and Brazil. He has also provided mentorship for African consultant surgeons as they start to carry out laparoscopic procedures, and build capacity in their units and hospitals.
Over the years, Mr Komolafe has partnered with international networks of doctors and healthcare professionals, across four continents, to teach evidence-based approaches to colorectal and general surgical care across Africa. This partnership is now formalised into the international NGO, CoFHEA—Coalition for Healthcare, Equity and Access. His kindness and down-to-earth nature make him an inspiring figure, while his quiet perseverance and passion for making a difference serve as a shining example to all.
Among his many contributions, Mr Komolafe recently played a key role as one of the Course Organisers and Directors of 4th Annual Colorectal Cancer in Africa Workshop, demonstrating a multidisciplinary team approach to colorectal cancer care, and teaching hands-on surgery for colorectal cancer. Plans are already underway for the 5th African Colorectal Cancer MDT workshop in Nigeria in 2025, and the 6th workshop in Cameroon in 2026. He has been instrumental in promoting mentorship and advancing surgical techniques, including laparoscopic resections, and has helped teach Non-Technical Skills for Surgeons in the resource-limited African context.
Currently, Mr Komolafe is launching his own charity based in Scotland, called Supporting African Surgeons, to further enhance surgical care across the continent, and to help foster two-way exchange of skills and knowledge. His efforts and impact make him a deserving candidate for this award.
