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Kigoma is a remote region in the West of Tanzania bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi. The region has approximately 2.5 million people, covers over 45,000 square kilometres and has no permanent ophthalmologists or endocrinologists. Patients either travel to other regions for treatment or see visiting ophthalmologists when they come for temporary ‘camps’.
Our team of 7 visited for one week in February 2024 and consisted of ophthalmologists (Dr. Rosie Brennan-NHS Scotland and Dr. Joshua Mmbaga-Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, Dodoma), optometrist Dr. Katie Curran-Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), screener-graders (Dr. Rebecca Thomas- University of Swansea and Catherine Jamison-QUB), Health Care Assistant-Benedict Leonard-Hawkhead-QUB, and podiatrist Nathan Gibson- Comber Podiatry.
Hospital director Dr. Binagi had advertised that we would be at Maweni hospital for the week (twitter, posters, local radio, public announcements) and therefore hundreds of patients arrived every morning at the ophthalmology department, many waiting long hours to be seen.
In total the team saw 751 patients in the ophthalmology department, with an additional 60-70 more seen separately in the diabetes clinic, dialysis unit, surgery and ICU. 14 cataract surgeries were carried out, hundreds of pairs of (cleaned and tested) spectacles were given out by the optometrists and many other conditions seen including glaucoma, optic neuropathies, and viral conjunctivitis.
In the diabetes clinic, diabetic eye-screening using two Optomed Aurora handheld non-mydriatic cameras, was carried out and patients sent straight to ophthalmology where needed. Podiatrist Nathan treated 17 patients with diabetic foot ulcers in multiple wards and trained nurse Rehema to do foot dressings and foot checks when patients visit the diabetes clinic. Several wound dressing protocols were implemented.
The team provided training throughout the week and gave presentations at the doctor/nurses weekly hospital meeting.
Many thanks to all the wonderful staff and patients at Maweni Hospital, Kigoma.
