Namayingo District, with its stunning scenery along the shores of Lake Victoria, faces significant health challenges, including Bilharzia, a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) caused by parasitic flatworms known as schistosomes. The district’s rural population, primarily engaged in agriculture and fishing, struggles with limited access to essential healthcare services, safe drinking water, and sanitation.
Left-Beautiful African sunset captured in Namayingo town. Right-Community life at the shores of L.Victoria
Mapping the Landscape
A crucial step in addressing these challenges was a household mapping exercise conducted in four sub-counties: Buyundo, Maruba, Bumeru B, and Bumeru A. Led by Dr. Joseph Baluku Baruch, the exercise aimed to register households with pre-school-aged children, similar to a previous initiative in Buhuka Kikuube, Hoima District. The team, after arriving in Namayingo, met with local leaders and the assistant District Health Officer (DHO) to strategize the mapping process.
USMRC study team alongside local leaders and Health officials at Namayingo District Headquarters
Despite challenges like long distances between households and high temperatures, the team successfully completed the registration, thanks to the warm support from the local community.
Laboratory Setup at Buyinja Health Center IV
To enhance healthcare services in Namayingo, the USMRC initiated the setup of a state-of-the-art laboratory at Buyinja Health Center IV. This effort involved collaboration with the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM engineering department, the Namayingo District DHO, and other health officials. The laboratory space was renovated to ensure proper ventilation, safety, and efficient workflow. Within a week, the team installed workbenches, shelves, power and water connections, and a solar power system to ensure uninterrupted electricity for the lab and maternity wing. Advanced diagnostic equipment, including microscopes, centrifuges, a CBC machine, and a Class II Biosafety cabinet, was installed to support the USMRC’s research.
A snippet inside the newly renovated state-of the-art laboratory setup at at Buyinja Health Center IV
Training and Integration
Healthcare workers at Buyinja HC IV received specialized training to operate the new equipment and perform lab assays, ensuring they could support the research team during data collection. The new laboratory is integrated into existing health systems, enabling effective collaboration between diagnostic facilities and healthcare providers, and ensuring that test results inform clinical decisions.
USMRC team alongside Healthcare workers at Buyinja HC IV
Looking Ahead
The mapping exercise and lab setup in Namayingo District marks the start of a significant research study aimed at combating Bilharzia. The data collected will lay the foundation for future research and potentially shape strategies for Bilharzia prevention and treatment.
Gratitude
This initiative would not have been possible without the support of the engineering team, the households of Buyundo, Maruba, Bumeru B, and Bumeru A, the assistant DHO, the District Focal Person on NTDs, other district officials, the Buyinja HC IV lab team, the VHTs, and local leaders. Each step in Namayingo District brings us closer to ending the Bilharzia story, and this effort represents a significant leap forward.
Written By: Gloria Oduru and Trust Debbie Lenia
