South Sudan Talent Celebrated Abroad
South Sudanese fifth-year medical student Ngong Atem Akol captured continental attention after winning the Best Oral Research Abstract Presenter award at the 2025 Pan-African Organization for Health, Education and Research symposium held at the University of Lusaka in Zambia.
Virtual Medical Presentation Shines
Speaking via Zoom from Suez University’s Egypt Satellite Site, Ngong delivered a clinical case report titled “Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome Presenting with Prominent Gastric Folds,” a narrative judges said combined clarity with concise pathology discussion.
Pan-African Student Competition Highlights
The 2025 symposium showcased 17 student researchers representing Nigeria, Zambia, Sudan, Kenya, Cameroon and Egypt. Amid this diverse field, Ngong’s presentation earned top marks, reflecting both the rigour of his preparation and the symposium’s commitment to inclusive continental scholarship.
Mentorship Drives African Medical Excellence
After the announcement last week, Ngong wrote on social media that the accolade resulted from “persistent hard work under devoted mentors.” His acknowledgment resonated with many young professionals seeking guidance across Africa’s expanding academic networks.
POHER Symposium Advances Research
Founded to nurture African medical professionals, POHER uses annual symposia and mentorship programmes to link scholars, clinicians and researchers throughout the continent. Organisers said the latest edition reaffirmed their aim to spotlight emerging talent while strengthening collaborative health research.