It was a busy 2 weeks for Mark, who flew back out to Tanzania this June. The schedule was packed; with the Tanzania Surgical Association (TSA) annual conference sandwiched between two surgical camps. These were a collaborative endeavour between SWIFTSS and the TSA and served the joint purpose of the TSA peri-conference ‘humanitarian’ programme as well as opportunity for expansion of our Affordable Mesh Hernia Surgery Initiative (AMHSI) programme.
Under the national leadership of Dr Mugisha Nkoronko, there has been a steady shift towards increasingly Tanzanian led activity (which is very pleasing) within the AMHSI programme. These two camps perhaps officially reaching the notable milestone for being Tanzanian led and delivered from our side of things. Dr Vihar Kotetcha, our Lake Zonal Lead, supported by Dr Ahmed Binde as faculty, planned and executed these camps / inductions efficiently and to a very high standard. Mark’s role (beyond getting stuck in as an enthusiastic faculty member) was to iron out any unforeseen process issues, as well as using it as an opportunity to develop our faculty materials.
Things started off at Sekoutoure Regional Referral Hospital. With a number of already trained Specialist Surgeons, together with plenty of enthusiastic residents, and a very capable CSSD / theatre team, the induction was straightforward and efficient. We are grateful to Dr Bahati Msangi (Medical Officer in Charge) and Dr Furaha Munema (Head of Department of Surgery) for their vision and generosity in hosting us.
There was then just time to also dip into the TSA pre-conference Laparoscopic Surgery Camp. Mark helped Dr Kotecha to facilitate the simulation training as well as teaming up to do some live operating at Bugando Medical Centre. This included a laparoscopic bilateral hernia repair using the SWIFTSS mesh.
Next followed the TSA Scientific & Annual General Meeting. The opening ceremony was spectacular, with a traditional dance troop dazzling to the beat of large animal skin drums, and accompanied by a rather imposing (huge) live python! Quite something. Mark had been invited to give a Keynote on the conference’s theme – Universal Health Coverage in the Era of AI. The talk went well and was gratefully received. It is a privilege for us to help shape the narrative of ongoing surgical development in Tanzania.
Another notable milestone was a presentation given by Dr Kotetcha, summarising the progress of the AMSHI programme to date. It was brilliant to hear the Tanzania data presented by a local surgeon at their national conference. TSA President Dr Olivia Kimario is to be congratulated for guiding her team through an excellent programme.
It was then on to Nyamagana Designated District Hospital, situated on the outskirts of Mwanza for the second camp / induction programme. As a busy hospital that is benefitting from significant government investment of infrastructure, it is a perfect venue for the AMHSI programme. However, lacking Specialist Surgical support currently, our task (from a surgical skills perspective) was a little more demanding. Drs Godphrey and Mollel worked hard to prepare and run the camp. An enthusiastic and able CSSD / theatre team, together with a busy surgical programme over 5 days, ended with a confidence that the intention was achieved and another successful affordable mesh hernia service has been set up. Dr Kotetcha will continue to support the team here to help refine their skills and confidence.
So much achieved in such a short space of time. Our huge thanks to our Local Faculty Dr Kotecha and Dr Binde for their unwavering enthusiasm, dedication and excellence to achieve all this. And also to all the other local teams of surgeons, CSSD and theatre staff who were so welcoming, hard working and very able. Hongera sana!
