Uganda Update

We have seen great progress in the development and expansion of our programme in Kampala, Uganda particularly in the screening of new born infants.

Building on a comprehensive training programme sponsored by a Rotary International a number of Paediatric Audiologists have been to Uganda to train various cadres of local health care workers. This included nurses, audiologists, and newborn hearing screeners.

Capacity Building

LTCH Medical Director, Paul Choudhury has provided training on anatomy and physiology, pathology of ear diseases and their management.

Pam Layton a Senior Paediatric Audiologist from Bedfordshire in the UK, provided training in  newborn hearing screening, school hearing screening and a specific area of audiological assessment namely Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA). This test uses visual rewards i.e. puppets to condition a child to respond to sounds. The rotary grant included funding for the purchase and installation of this new piece of equipment prior to the commencement of the training programme. The VRA test is the first of its kind in Uganda and LTCH is now the only clinic providing the full pathway of free screening and audiological assessments for young children in Uganda.    

The newborn hearing screening comprehensive training programme was delivered over ten days. Five health care workers were trained to become competent screeners in several health centres. There was much enthusiasm for this new programme and everyone enjoyed the training. Our audiologists provide ongoing support and assesses competency of the screeners every three months.

As are result of this successful training programme, LTCH has employed four additional employees.

LTCHr has also appointed a part time Clinic Clerk to take on the role of managing appointments and staff schedules.