Damaso
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- Jul 18, 2018
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In 2016, Furaha gave birth to a daughter called Upendo. Instead of expressing delight, her husband, Mashaka reacted angrily, beating Furaha until he chased her out. This is because Upendo developed meningitis shortly after birth, resulting in Hydrocephalus, a disease in which fluid accumulates around the brain and interferes with normal growth and development. Upendo's father, Mashaka, like many others in low-income nations like Tanzania, saw his daughter's impairment as a retribution for a secret fault in her mother's life. Eventually, Mashaka abandoned the family, leaving Furaha to maintain Upendo alone. Worldwide, 60% of children with disabilities are cared for by single parents.
Photo courtesy of Parent.com
Hydrocephalus, a debilitating condition characterized by excess fluid buildup in the brain, casts a long shadow over Tanzania's healthcare landscape. While the government shoulders the primary responsibility for its citizens' well-being, international NGOs (INGOs) possess invaluable expertise and resources. By fostering a cooperative approach, Tanzania and INGOs can establish a formidable force against hydrocephalus while giving attention to houses of hope such as, in Zanzibar, Nyegezi (Mwanza), as well as Kimara (Dar es Salaam) and a great collaboration with International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.
Photo courtesy of International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.
The gravity of the situation necessitates a unified effort, as early diagnosis and intervention are paramount in managing hydrocephalus. To diagnose hydrocephalus, a neurosurgeon or neurologist conducts a complete medical history as well as a neurological and physical examination. Doctors next do an ultrasound, MRI scan, or CT scan to confirm the swelling of the ventricles and discover the source of the hydrocephalus. However, Tanzania faces a significant shortage of qualified healthcare personnel, particularly in rural areas. INGOs, with their global networks, can bridge this gap by facilitating knowledge transfer through training programs for Tanzanian healthcare practitioners such as, doctors and nurses. These programs should not only equip medical professionals with the latest diagnostic techniques but also emphasize effective communication and patient education.
Photo courtesy of Watsi.
Beyond diagnosis, treatment options in Tanzania are often limited. Shortage of specialized equipment like shunts and neuroimaging facilities poses a major challenge, also sustainable electricity makes a huge challenge. INGOs, with their fundraising capabilities, can directly contribute to bolstering Tanzania's healthcare infrastructure. Collaborative efforts can see the establishment of well-equipped hydrocephalus treatment centers across the country, ensuring timely access to life-saving interventions for Tanzanian children. A good example is the CURE Neuro, which is a CURE International specialty program dedicated to providing complete treatment for children with hydrocephalus and spina bifida. CURE Neuro combines a training program, service efforts, and research to increase care capacity through collaborations in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.
Photo courtesy of The Mo Dewji Foundation.
Innovation is key in the fight against hydrocephalus. INGOs, often at the forefront of medical research, can introduce novel treatment options and technologies to Tanzania. This could involve collaborating on research projects to develop minimally invasive surgical procedures or exploring the potential of telemedicine in remote consultations. By fostering an environment of knowledge exchange, Tanzania can benefit from the cutting-edge advancements spearheaded by INGOs. A great instance is Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Tanzania (ASBAHT), their prime objective is to improve the quality of life for all people with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, as well as their families. Their purpose is to raise community awareness of SBH via primary prevention, early intervention, and care, as well as to promote and campaign for the rights to social inclusion, education, vocational training, and economic empowerment.
Photo courtesy of Compassion International.
A successful collaboration demands a focus on sustainability. While INGOs can provide crucial initial funding, the long-term goal should be to empower Tanzania towards self-sufficiency. This can be achieved through capacity building initiatives. INGOs can partner with Tanzanian universities to establish specialized training programs for neurosurgeons and other specialists. Additionally, joint efforts can be directed towards developing local manufacturing capabilities for essential medical equipment, reducing dependence on external sources. Institutions such as, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences commonly known as Bugando, Hubert Kairuki Memorial University and other, these institutions along with the Ministry of Health can organize special clinics for children to be tested and understand the scope of Hydrocephalus in the society, these clinics can be sponsored by either government or companies.
Photo courtesy of Mwananchi Communication.
Building trust and open communication is vital for a successful partnership. Transparency and a clear understanding of each party's goals are crucial. The Tanzanian government should actively involve INGOs in the planning and implementation of national hydrocephalus control programs. Regular reviews and joint assessments will ensure that resources are being utilized effectively and programs are aligned with Tanzania's specific needs. Ministry of Health with the help of medical practitioners needs to gather all parties whom have common theme of fighting hydrocephalus in Tanzania and come up with different control programs, such as, creation of specialized hospitals and other specialized clinics in every regional hospital for the patients of hydrocephalus.
Photo courtesy of Ministry of Health.
The fight against hydrocephalus is not just a medical battle; it's a fight for the future of Tanzanian children. By combining Tanzania's unwavering commitment to its citizens with the expertise and resources of INGOs, such as, International Disability Alliance, Child-Help Tanzania, Fogarty International Center, this actually a way that powerful alliance can be forged. Through collaborative efforts in knowledge transfer, infrastructure development, and capacity building, Tanzania can ensure timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and a brighter future for children battling hydrocephalus. This unified front can not only save lives but also empower Tanzania to become a leader in the regional fight against this debilitating condition.
Photo courtesy of Parent.com
Hydrocephalus, a debilitating condition characterized by excess fluid buildup in the brain, casts a long shadow over Tanzania's healthcare landscape. While the government shoulders the primary responsibility for its citizens' well-being, international NGOs (INGOs) possess invaluable expertise and resources. By fostering a cooperative approach, Tanzania and INGOs can establish a formidable force against hydrocephalus while giving attention to houses of hope such as, in Zanzibar, Nyegezi (Mwanza), as well as Kimara (Dar es Salaam) and a great collaboration with International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.
Photo courtesy of International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.
The gravity of the situation necessitates a unified effort, as early diagnosis and intervention are paramount in managing hydrocephalus. To diagnose hydrocephalus, a neurosurgeon or neurologist conducts a complete medical history as well as a neurological and physical examination. Doctors next do an ultrasound, MRI scan, or CT scan to confirm the swelling of the ventricles and discover the source of the hydrocephalus. However, Tanzania faces a significant shortage of qualified healthcare personnel, particularly in rural areas. INGOs, with their global networks, can bridge this gap by facilitating knowledge transfer through training programs for Tanzanian healthcare practitioners such as, doctors and nurses. These programs should not only equip medical professionals with the latest diagnostic techniques but also emphasize effective communication and patient education.
Photo courtesy of Watsi.
Beyond diagnosis, treatment options in Tanzania are often limited. Shortage of specialized equipment like shunts and neuroimaging facilities poses a major challenge, also sustainable electricity makes a huge challenge. INGOs, with their fundraising capabilities, can directly contribute to bolstering Tanzania's healthcare infrastructure. Collaborative efforts can see the establishment of well-equipped hydrocephalus treatment centers across the country, ensuring timely access to life-saving interventions for Tanzanian children. A good example is the CURE Neuro, which is a CURE International specialty program dedicated to providing complete treatment for children with hydrocephalus and spina bifida. CURE Neuro combines a training program, service efforts, and research to increase care capacity through collaborations in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.
Photo courtesy of The Mo Dewji Foundation.
Innovation is key in the fight against hydrocephalus. INGOs, often at the forefront of medical research, can introduce novel treatment options and technologies to Tanzania. This could involve collaborating on research projects to develop minimally invasive surgical procedures or exploring the potential of telemedicine in remote consultations. By fostering an environment of knowledge exchange, Tanzania can benefit from the cutting-edge advancements spearheaded by INGOs. A great instance is Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Tanzania (ASBAHT), their prime objective is to improve the quality of life for all people with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, as well as their families. Their purpose is to raise community awareness of SBH via primary prevention, early intervention, and care, as well as to promote and campaign for the rights to social inclusion, education, vocational training, and economic empowerment.
Photo courtesy of Compassion International.
A successful collaboration demands a focus on sustainability. While INGOs can provide crucial initial funding, the long-term goal should be to empower Tanzania towards self-sufficiency. This can be achieved through capacity building initiatives. INGOs can partner with Tanzanian universities to establish specialized training programs for neurosurgeons and other specialists. Additionally, joint efforts can be directed towards developing local manufacturing capabilities for essential medical equipment, reducing dependence on external sources. Institutions such as, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences commonly known as Bugando, Hubert Kairuki Memorial University and other, these institutions along with the Ministry of Health can organize special clinics for children to be tested and understand the scope of Hydrocephalus in the society, these clinics can be sponsored by either government or companies.
Photo courtesy of Mwananchi Communication.
Building trust and open communication is vital for a successful partnership. Transparency and a clear understanding of each party's goals are crucial. The Tanzanian government should actively involve INGOs in the planning and implementation of national hydrocephalus control programs. Regular reviews and joint assessments will ensure that resources are being utilized effectively and programs are aligned with Tanzania's specific needs. Ministry of Health with the help of medical practitioners needs to gather all parties whom have common theme of fighting hydrocephalus in Tanzania and come up with different control programs, such as, creation of specialized hospitals and other specialized clinics in every regional hospital for the patients of hydrocephalus.
Photo courtesy of Ministry of Health.
The fight against hydrocephalus is not just a medical battle; it's a fight for the future of Tanzanian children. By combining Tanzania's unwavering commitment to its citizens with the expertise and resources of INGOs, such as, International Disability Alliance, Child-Help Tanzania, Fogarty International Center, this actually a way that powerful alliance can be forged. Through collaborative efforts in knowledge transfer, infrastructure development, and capacity building, Tanzania can ensure timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and a brighter future for children battling hydrocephalus. This unified front can not only save lives but also empower Tanzania to become a leader in the regional fight against this debilitating condition.
"Tanzania We Want: A Free Hydrocephalus Nation"
Disclaimers: The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this article are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.
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