Ifakara Health Institute, in collaboration with St. Francis Referral Hospital, Swiss TPH, and the University Hospital of Basel, successfully hosted the 4th Vascular Ultrasound and Vascular Surgery Course. 

Held from January 27 to 31, 2025, at St. Francis Referral Hospital (SFRH) in Ifakara Town, Morogoro Region, this transformative training experience brought together a dedicated group of young Tanzanian medical professionals eager to enhance their skills.

Gaining skills through hands-on learning

The MCT-accredited course was more than just a training – it was an opportunity to empower the next generation of Tanzanian healthcare providers. Participants not only gained essential skills in vascular ultrasound and surgery but also enhanced their ability to diagnose and manage cardiovascular diseases. With a focus on hands-on learning and real-life cases from patients at SFRH, the course provided a dynamic environment where knowledge met practice.

Trainees guided by international experts

Behind this initiative stood a team of passionate organizers: PD Dr. Martin Rohacek and Dr. Andrew Katende, with the support of Edgar Enzigard – all from the Heart and Lung Clinic of Ifakara. They were joined by esteemed facilitators, including Dr. Markus Aschwanden and PD Dr. Andrei Isaak from the University Hospital of Basel, along with PD Dr. Martin Rohacek from the Heart and Lung Clinic Ifakara. 

Building on past courses’ success

A similar training took place last year in January, where 15 participants seized the opportunity to refine their vascular ultrasound skills. Building on that success, this year's program aimed to further enhance expertise and expand knowledge among young medics.

For the newly trained 16 young Tanzanian medics who participated, this was more than a learning experience – it was an opportunity to grow, connect and later apply their skills to save lives. By fostering local expertise in vascular diagnostics, the course laid a foundation for better cardiovascular disease management, ultimately benefiting communities in Ifakara and across Tanzania.

Link to more photos: https://ifakarahealthinstitute.smugmug.com/4th-Vascular-Ultrasound-and-Vascular-Surgery-Course-2025