Tanzania Trip Report: Training

From June 17 through July 5, 2010, we conducted a two-week training and cervical cancer screening campaign in Kigoma, Tanzania.  This trip marked our fourth visit to Kigoma and third training and screening campaign at this site. As in our other sites, we continue to focus on the implementation of the Single Visit Approach for the prevention of cervical cancer.

Martha Caswell, who is our program director for Latin America, came to Tanzania for the first time to bring her training expertise. We were also joined by an expert cohort of women’s health clinicians and Grounds for Health volunteers: Mary Cunnane, Madelyn Hamilton, Susan Hollinger and Ellen Starr. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to all the volunteers for the completion of another incredible trip.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Successful VIA training of 9 new providers, which brings VIA screening access to a total of 12 sites in the region.
• 5 Participants became certified to administer cryotherapy treatment. This will make the Single Visit Approach possible at 4 additional sites in Kigoma, bringing the number of SVA sites to 6 total in the region, with all but one district hospital represented.
• Continued cooperation with Jhpiego: Dr. Mary Rose Giattas, a Jhpiego MD again was outstanding as our lead trainer.
• Continued support of ICAP: 4 Cryotherapy Units, 10 CO₂ Tanks and 112 specula were purchased and donated by ICAP to equip four district hospitals in ability to provide SVA.
• Ministry of Health acknowledged the Grounds for Health / Jane Goodall Institute / Kanyovu Collaborative Cervical Cancer Prevention Project as a national demonstration pilot project.
• ICAP agreed to provide ongoing access to essential supplies for screening and treatment at all current participating health facilities.  ICAP also agreed to provide transportation for GFH in-country staff Annah Kichambati for monthly supportive supervision visits at all twelve sites in Kigoma. Thanks ICAP!
• Further discussions and early planning began with ICAP and local Ministries of Health to facilitate roll-out of program throughout the region of Kigoma.

Editor’s Note: Martha and Elisa are currently on well-deserved vacations. When they return we will post some personal narratives from the trip and update the photos below with captions. Stay tuned!

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