Three of my favourite things include travel, ultrasound & people. So when Well on Their Way reached out to see if I would be interested in joining the point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) training in Gulu I didn’t have to think twice.
This was my first time in Uganda – and the continent of Africa – and I am officially hooked! There are many things that make the country so special: the red clay roads lined with mango and Savanna trees, the food (especially the chapati) and most notably, the people. The Acholi people are best compared to the sunshine: warm & bright. Everyone was so welcoming and kind, and they were incredibly proud to share their rich culture with me.
The Training Impact
The 10-day training program began in the classroom with didactics, hands-on practice with phantoms and live models. We then transitioned to various health centres every day with a 2-to-l trainee-to-trainer model, which maximized scan time for the midwives.
On our first day at Cwero Health Centre Ill we had over 50 pregnant women lined up hoping for a scan! The women of Gulu District are just as excited about this training as we are. Throughout our short time there, we referred many women to higher-risk centres for conditions that simply could not be diagnosed without ultrasound. It was a powerful reminder of how vital this technology is for maternal and fetal health.
Looking Forward
I cannot say enough about how amazing these midwives are. They spent countless hours in the months before our arrival studying to ensure the best results. In just a short time, we built beautiful relationships, making it hard to say good-bye.
I am excited to remain a part of the continuing education for the midwives through remote image review and hope to provide more ultrasound training in the future. WOtW has a wonderful team based in Uganda and support from the Ministry of Health of Gulu District to ensure the program’s long-term success.
This may have been my first trip to Uganda, but it certainly will not be my last.
—Jade Lavender, BSc, CRGS, RDMS
