Ultrasound Training Workshop in Mwanza, Tanzania

SCI sponsored a training workshop in collaboration with the National Institute of Medical Research, Tanzania on the assessment of morbidity due to S. mansoni and S. haematobium

SCI sponsored a training workshop in collaboration with the National Institute of Medical Research, Tanzania on the assessment of morbidity due to S. mansoni and S. haematobium as measured by the use of portable ultrasound. The workshop was coordinated by Dr Nicholas Lwambo and was held in Mwanza, Tanzania at the Nyakahoja Hostel from 8th to 18th February 2005. It was attended by radiographersImage from across Tanzania, including the islands of Zanzibar, and also three representatives from Zambia. Ultrasonography trainers with extensive field experience in schistosomiasis research included Mrs Hilda Kadzo from Kenya, Dr Adama Keita from Mali and Mr Simon Mpooya and Mrs Isabella Aitken from Uganda. 

Image: Dr Adama Keita demonstrating liver pathology in intestinal schistosomiasis infection

Mwanza was selected as the venue for the workshop because both intestinal and urinary schistosomiasis infection is present. Therefore the participants were able to gain experience in identifying and measuring morbidity for both forms of disease. The training included a series of lectures and practicals, before moving in to the field to gain first-hand experience in identification of the range of disease pathology. The participants spent three days on Ukerewe Island, where Schistosoma mansoni is highly endemic, and assessed schistosomiasis pathology in school-children from Hamuyebe Primary School and adults from the surrounding area. The team then visited Bundilya Primary School, Magu district and Ng’ombe Primary School, Misungwi District over the remaining days to observe pathology related to S. haematobium infection.

Topics covered included:

• The role of ultrasonography as a reliable tool for the evaluation of schistosomiasis related morbidity under field conditions
• Basics in Ultrasound
• Standardization according to Niamey Working Group 2000
• Epidemiology of schistosomiasis
• Grading and scoring of lesions due to Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium in line with the WHO protocols.
• Recording results using the standard views and profomas.

After a formal assessment of their new skills by the trainers, all participants received a certificate of completion. They will now be involved in the baseline data collection and subsequent monitoring activities for the national schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminth control programmes in their respective geographical areas.

Participants successfully completing training