(Dr. Geofrey Musinguzi (right) showing Dr. Richard Kalamula (2nd left), the In-charge at Goma Health Centre III, how to use a height measuring rod)
On Friday, July 26th 2019, Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) handed over equipment to Goma Health Centre III and Mukono Health Centre IV. This equipment is to be used at Outpatient Departments of these health centres for purposes of capturing data and screening patients for Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) risk factors. CVD risk factors include conditions like diabetes and hypertension. If not controlled, these conditions can lead to heart attack, chest pain or stroke, among others.
The equipment donated includes a computer desktop to enhance data capture for CVD risk factors, blood glucose meters, a mechanical weighing scale with a height measuring rod, (10) packs of glucometer, 2 circumference measuring tapes, and 2 blood pressure machines, for each of the two health centres. The equipment was part of a grant from SPICES (Scaling –up Packages of interventions for cardiovascular diseases prevention in selected sites in Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa) Project which is partnering with Makerere University and Ministry of Health to do research in CVDs. The project is funded by the European Union.
Handing over the equipment, first at Goma Health Centre III and then at Mukono Health Centre IV, the Project Lead, Dr. Geofrey Musinguzi said health facilities present a good opportunity to screen for CVD risk factors thereby averting possible consequences. He further noted that screening services at primary healthcare facilities increase detection which is a precursor for prevention and management of CVDs.
“To increase screening, we are equipping health facilities in Mukono and Buikwe districts with screening and diagnostic tools for CVD risk factors. These include stadiometers and weighing scales, glucometers, and strips, desktop computers to improve data capture, tape measures, etc. We have also trained staff to improve their ability to screen and manage common Non Communicable Diseases using Ministry of Health materials. At the community level, we have trained community health workers who conduct home-to-home visits, and do health promotions using motivational interviewing techniques to enhance lifestyle and behaviour change,” Dr. Musinguzi said.
As part of addressing CVD risk factors, the doctor advised the health workers at these facilities to put to use the equipment provided and to give an opportunity to every patient to be screened for the common CVD risk factor. Dr. Musinguzi added that plans are underway to expand current efforts to benefit more health facilities.
Upon receiving the equipment, the In-charge of Goma Health Centre III, Mr. Richard Kalamula, thanked SPICES project, European Union, and the Ministry of Health for their willingness to collaborate with local health centers through offering equipment to scan cardiovascular diseases. He explained that Goma Health Center III has been having challenges in capturing data for CVD related cases and the computer provided will improve this aspect at the facility.
‘’With the training on how to use equipment donated today, I expect proper screening of all patients by health workers to reduce cardiovascular-related risks. We shall put to use the equipment and capture the data,’’ added Mr. Kalamula.
ABOUT SPICES PROJECT
SPICES is an implementation science project funded by the European Commission through Horizon2020 research and innovation action. SPICES officially started on the 1st January 2017 and will run till December 2021. The SPICES Consortium comprises of ( 6) Universities; Makerere University, University of Antwerp, Nottingham Trent University, Manchester University, Brest University, and Limpopo University. The project aim is to implement and evaluate a comprehensive CVD prevention program in five settings: a rural and semi-urban community in a low-income country (Uganda), middle income (South Africa) and vulnerable groups in three high-income countries (Belgium, France and the The United Kingdom)
