Uganda Blog 2 – October 2023

26/10

This morning Emily started at the Lira Referral Hospital Mental Health unit meeting Dr.Charles, one of the few psychiatrists in Uganda. She met him last year and stayed in contact to discuss an on-going project for maternal mental health. There was a meeting to introduce her to the team and talk about what may be helpful in terms of education and discuss a project to improve maternal mental health in Lira. At the end of this meeting, it was agreed that Emily will create a community program of group support, similar to what she currently offers in Poole. They talked about preventative support to avoid admission in crisis, offering accessible support in the community and reducing the stigma.

Following this successful meeting, Emily went to the Lira University Hospital to teach 3rd year student midwives about maternal mental health. This was a positive and engaging teaching session, where students talked about their own experiences of mental health and the lack of teaching and discussion within their clinical practice. This session also raised important issues regarding equality to support, as if we are offering mothers support, support for partners should also be considered.

Emily then returned to Pasco and the team to run a focus group about gender equality and social inclusion (GESI). This was an opportunity to talk to staff members about possible barriers to accessing health care, opportunities or issues that may be related to antimicrobial stewardship and the iAIMS project. This was the first session of others that will be arranged next week to gain a deeper understanding of the issues that may be relevant to the project.

27/10

This morning Antoinette and Emily started their day at the Lira University Hospital, while Becca, Ally, Pasco and Beth went to the Lira Referral Hospital.

Antoinette presented to the year 3 midwives regarding adaptations of the newborn and Emily followed with teaching the students how to perform a newborn examination. Emily recognised some
of the students that she taught last year and it was lovely to be reunited with friendly faces and a group of wonderful students, who are eager to learn.

Antoinette and Emily then taught a session for qualified midwives who are studying a master’s degree. We talked through newborn resuscitation and they performed practical skills following individual scenarios. Their approach to some of the methods of resuscitation differed to the UK, so we talked about the differences to practice and shared knowledge.