Celebrating 20 Years of HOT: Ireland’s Global Legacy in Anaesthesia Education

Abstract

In 2005, the College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland (CAI), in partnership with Irish Aid, launched the High dependency, Obstetric and Trauma (HOT) course in Malawi to address critical gaps in emergency care. Over two decades, it has become a cornerstone of anaesthesia education; training over 800 healthcare workers and fostering a sustainable, locally led workforce. Grounded in respect, partnership, and collaboration, the HOT course reflects the CAI’s strategic commitment to global health. From early investment in postgraduate anaesthesia training in Malawi to its role in establishing the College of Anaesthesiologists of East, Central, and Southern Africa (CANECSA) and shaping Ireland’s Global Health Curriculum, the CAI has championed ethical, effective, and scalable models of global engagement. This article explores how the HOT course puts global health principles into practice, advancing equity, strengthening systems, and delivering lasting impact.