tembelea Child-Help International
The CIC training took place in Mwanza region and lasted from October to November 2023. During the training Hidaya managed to reach 37 children form Mwanza, Tabora ,Shinyanga ,Geita and Mara. The training was done at Houses of Hope kitongo and Nyegezi.
According to Hidaya’s continence management report, the team managed to achieve at least 90% of the set objectives and extended the outreach to parents from five regions i.e. Mwanza, Shinyanga, Tabora, Geita and Mara. The team trained 37 parents at the House of Hope Kitongo and Nyegezi, distributed Oxybutynin medication and continence management equipment, and also provided awareness education to mothers on caring for children with incontinence.
“Before training, we assess the child’s condition and advise parents or refer the child to a hospital for further medical investigation and treatment. We managed to assess 45 children. During the assessment, we discovered children with pressure wounds due to incontinence for prolonged periods of time, lack of sensation on legs, etc. So, part of the activity was to discuss with parents and coach them on how to prevent and treat wounds on their children. Unfortunately, we had to refer some children to health centers for further medical assistance, such as Hamza, whose wound was so severe that his leg had to be amputated. These children go through a lot of life complications. Incontinence is a serious problem and the complications can be life threatening.” said Hidaya
“The House of Hope owning a portable ultrasound machine is progress, thanks to Dr. Johannes’s donation. It considerably facilitates the assessment process. We use it to perform urodynamics which helps us identify any underlying urinary tract problems. We also use it for kidney/renal system imaging on children with a neurogenic bladder condition.” said Hidaya.
During Hidaya’s october CIC training in Mwanza, the ultrasound machine was used to check kidney Hydronephrosis and bladder condition. Enlarged bladder walls meant higher bladder pressure and was a criteria for oxybutynin prescription (medication for bladder control). The imaging results were saved and documented on the child’s SHIP passport (patient logbook). Those children whose ultrasound results seemed to have complications like hypertrophied bladder walls and the signs of Hydronephrosis were referred to Dr. Johannes for further assessment.
Children whose kidneys had serious complications were referred to Pediatricians, and others were referred to the respective therapist/doctor according to findings of other physical examinations. “Some parents went to hospitals as advised and brought feedback. For example, Nassib had signs of malnutrition. The mother was referred to a hospital and investigations revealed that the boy had a severe worm infection. He is currently undergoing treatment.” said Hidaya.
Swahili 
English