9am Sunday 11/18
Friday was a day of hurry up and wait, yesterday was the opposite! We woke up in Gulu and met for breakfast and discussion at 8am. Our first stop was a government clinic that the Rotary guys wanted to see. About 3 years ago, the local Rotary had donated an ultrasound machine to this clinic and had no idea if it was still being used. After a few wrong turns, we managed to find this small clinic, tucked in between traditional clay huts and small plots of crops. The clinic was incredibly short on the most basic healthcare supplies (blood pressure cuff, scale to weigh newborns, etc...), consistent electricity, water supply, and the RN who had been trained in Ultrasound had been transferred 2 years prior. The machine was in almost new condition and kept carefully packed up in a locked room. This is, unfortunately, very typical of many of the government run clinics in Uganda. After a quick tour of the clinic, we headed to St. Mary's hospital Locor, for a dedication ceremony, to give machines to the 3 Gulu clinic sites I had trained and assessed. 5 of the 6 midwives were there, and they were so happy and excited to see me that I had a hard time keeping my emotions in check. To have had such an impact on these women, in such a short time, is the most incredible feeling. They are so hard working, intelligent and welcoming that I am the one who is grateful to work with them! The hospital Director, along with Sister Rose (in charge of the OB and Midwives), and a few other hospital representatives joined us all for congratulatory speeches and the handing over of the machines and computers ITW has been training with. These clinics will now be able to give ultrasound exams to expectant mothers, send images to ITW Radiologists and local Sonogrpahers for peer review and diagnosis, and increase the overall level of care these mothers will receive. It was a wonderful representation of the work ITW has been doing for the past 10 years, and what is to come with additional clinics in the future. After many photos and a reception, we were loaded in the vans for the 4 hour ride back to Kampala. Along the way, Kristen and I discussed the clinics I will be assessing on the rest of my trip and possible ideas for future training. We stopped off at the African Market in downtown Kampala, so Kristen could pick up some gifts, and I could admire all of the beautiful art, jewelry, textiles and woodworking. Although it's clearly designed for visiting tourists, the wares were stunning! Once back at the office, I had a quick shower while Kristen met with the team for another meeting, then we all met with a Ugandan company that is trying to manufacture and market a portable Ultrasound unit, similar to what we are using. Kristen and I tried out the machine, discussed it's capabilities and areas that needed work, and Kristen decided I will try to meet with them again, before I leave. Sometime after 8pm, the meeting adjourned, most of the team headed home, and Kristen, Steve, Collins, Renny and I finally had dinner, and our discussions gravitated towards Ugandan food, African travel, culture, etc... I tapped out at 11pm. Up early, to the sound of heavy rain in the roof, I sorted through photos over a mug of delicious Ugandan tea. I'm off to do some shopping with Picho, then we will all meet with the Ministry of Health this afternoon. WHEW! What a trip!
Oxox MB
Friday was a day of hurry up and wait, yesterday was the opposite! We woke up in Gulu and met for breakfast and discussion at 8am. Our first stop was a government clinic that the Rotary guys wanted to see. About 3 years ago, the local Rotary had donated an ultrasound machine to this clinic and had no idea if it was still being used. After a few wrong turns, we managed to find this small clinic, tucked in between traditional clay huts and small plots of crops. The clinic was incredibly short on the most basic healthcare supplies (blood pressure cuff, scale to weigh newborns, etc...), consistent electricity, water supply, and the RN who had been trained in Ultrasound had been transferred 2 years prior. The machine was in almost new condition and kept carefully packed up in a locked room. This is, unfortunately, very typical of many of the government run clinics in Uganda. After a quick tour of the clinic, we headed to St. Mary's hospital Locor, for a dedication ceremony, to give machines to the 3 Gulu clinic sites I had trained and assessed. 5 of the 6 midwives were there, and they were so happy and excited to see me that I had a hard time keeping my emotions in check. To have had such an impact on these women, in such a short time, is the most incredible feeling. They are so hard working, intelligent and welcoming that I am the one who is grateful to work with them! The hospital Director, along with Sister Rose (in charge of the OB and Midwives), and a few other hospital representatives joined us all for congratulatory speeches and the handing over of the machines and computers ITW has been training with. These clinics will now be able to give ultrasound exams to expectant mothers, send images to ITW Radiologists and local Sonogrpahers for peer review and diagnosis, and increase the overall level of care these mothers will receive. It was a wonderful representation of the work ITW has been doing for the past 10 years, and what is to come with additional clinics in the future. After many photos and a reception, we were loaded in the vans for the 4 hour ride back to Kampala. Along the way, Kristen and I discussed the clinics I will be assessing on the rest of my trip and possible ideas for future training. We stopped off at the African Market in downtown Kampala, so Kristen could pick up some gifts, and I could admire all of the beautiful art, jewelry, textiles and woodworking. Although it's clearly designed for visiting tourists, the wares were stunning! Once back at the office, I had a quick shower while Kristen met with the team for another meeting, then we all met with a Ugandan company that is trying to manufacture and market a portable Ultrasound unit, similar to what we are using. Kristen and I tried out the machine, discussed it's capabilities and areas that needed work, and Kristen decided I will try to meet with them again, before I leave. Sometime after 8pm, the meeting adjourned, most of the team headed home, and Kristen, Steve, Collins, Renny and I finally had dinner, and our discussions gravitated towards Ugandan food, African travel, culture, etc... I tapped out at 11pm. Up early, to the sound of heavy rain in the roof, I sorted through photos over a mug of delicious Ugandan tea. I'm off to do some shopping with Picho, then we will all meet with the Ministry of Health this afternoon. WHEW! What a trip!
Oxox MB
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