In a collaborative effort to strengthen cardiac care, Ifakara Health Institute and partners hosted an intensive ultrasound course offering 20 clinicians a unique opportunity to elevate their skills and knowledge in “echocardiography” - an ultrasound test that checks the structure and function of a heart. 

Held from November 11-15, 2024, at the St. Francis Referral Hospital (SFRH) in Ifakara, this was the fifth annual echocardiography training since its inception in 2017. The course was made possible through a collaboration between the Ifakara Health Institute, the SFRH, the Swiss TPH, the University Hospital Basel, and the Medical Council of Tanganyika.

The five-day hands-on training brought together healthcare professionals from leading institutions across Tanzania, including Lugalo Military Hospital, Mlimba Health Centre, Temeke Regional Referral Hospital, TTCIH, East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) health facility, and Songea Regional Referral Hospital.

Under the expert guidance of Prof. Dr. Beat Kaufmann, Head of Echocardiography, and PD Dr. Thilo Burkard, a cardiologist from the University Hospital Basel, participants were trained in cutting-edge echocardiographic techniques. 

Building capacity for cardiac care excellence
This specialized course provided participants with essential skills and knowledge in echocardiography, ensuring they could meet international standards for cardiac diagnostics. Valentine Mteki, a Research Scientist at Ifakara in charge of overseeing the training sessions, emphasized the significance of the training stating: “With a core focus on achieving echocardiographic parameters in line with international guidelines, participants gain the expertise to decipher complex echocardiographic findings and, ultimately, make accurate diagnoses.”

Understanding echocardiography’s role in cardiac health
Echocardiography uses sound waves (ultrasound) to provide detailed images of the heart. It provides information about the structure and function of the heart. By capturing real-time images of the heart's chambers, valves, and blood flow, echocardiography helps doctors diagnose heart diseases, heart valve problems, and heart muscle abnormalities. 

Echocardiography is a valuable tool for assessing the heart's overall health and function without the need for surgery or invasive procedures.

Course background
Since 2017, St. Francis Referral Hospital has teamed up with local and international partners, including Ifakara Health Institute, to offer training in various ultrasound specialties, including echocardiography. To date, they have conducted 17 courses, with four specifically focusing on echocardiography.

This fifth echocardiography course marks another step forward in advancing cardiac diagnostic skills among Tanzanian healthcare professionals, empowering them to provide life-saving cardiac care to patients across the country.

More photos from the event here.