Gastroschisis Training
From March 11th to 12th 2024, our hospital in partnership with Muhimbili National Hospital and a German NGO, conducted training on Gastroschisis (i.e. a birth defect in which the baby’s intestines extend outside of the abdomen through a hole next to the belly button).
37 participants, comprising doctors and nurses from various healthcare facilities of Mtwara and Lindi regions, including our staff, attended this important training aimed to equip them with the necessary skills to care for newborns with gastroschisis.
Without adequate treatment, babies with gastroschisis usually die within a few days or weeks after birth. Treatment is possible through surgery, but in case of large defects, a special therapy with so-called silo bags is needed. This procedure has been demonstrated by a pediatric surgeon from Muhimbili National Hospital and a stock of these life-saving materials has been provided to our facility.
Thus, we are now able to rescue these babies, who previously had to be transported to Dar Es Salaam, while others died even before getting access to treatment.
Surrounding healthcare institutes will refer their patients for specialized care at our institute.
