Project Overview Ghana
If you have any questions about a project or photo that interests you and would like more information, please use our contact form to reach out. We would be delighted to provide you with information about our past and upcoming projects. These include our laparoscopic training program, initiatives for breast and cervical cancer prevention and treatment, obstetrics and ultrasound training, as well as emergency and anesthetic training.
Laparoscopic Training Program
In November 2023, our team of German gynecologists, specializing in minimally invasive surgery, traveled to the Holy Family Hospital in Techiman, Ghana, to provide specialized training to local gynecologists.
The comprehensive program included detailed lectures on minimally invasive surgical techniques. We also held practical, hands-on sessions using Pelvi Trainers, allowing participants to practice these techniques in a controlled environment.
This allowed the colleagues in Ghana to perform the first laparoscopy at the Holy Family Hospital on their own in August 2024. This success shows a big step forward in local medical care and highlights the strong commitment and skills of the local team. With the new techniques they learned, they could not only improve their own practice but also help make patient care better in the region. This first independent surgery marks the start of a new chapter in gynecological surgery at the Holy Family Hospital.
Local Physician Training
In addition to lectures and hands-on training, we conducted sessions on patient screening procedures. This was to ensure that the local gynecologists gained a thorough understanding of preoperative preparations, which is crucial for the success of minimally invasive surgeries.
Guided Surgeries
The highlight of our visit was the live surgeries performed by the Ghanaian gynecologists under our close supervision and guidance. This practical approach not only solidified their theoretical knowledge but also provided valuable real-world experience, enhancing their confidence and skills in performing minimally invasive procedures.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment
Breast and cervical cancer are the leading cancers among women in Ghana. Due to poor access to Screening as well as the Lack of an HPV vaccination program, we are focusing on implementation of more Screening opportunities as well as the improvement of treatment options. Although facing different cultural and organizational obstacles along the way, we were able tue to the close collaboration with the colleagues from HFH to establish a breast cancer Outpatient Departement as well as a cervical cancer Screening Unit and start chemotherapy for some patients. Moreover, we especially focus on sustainability by teaching the local colleagues and advancing their skills either in their Hospital or by organizing Short term visits to Europe. Our international and multidisciplinary Team, which is dedicated to this project, consists of oncologists, gynecologists as well as midwifes and nurses working closely together.
Obstetrics and Ultrasound Training
Every year, more than 4500 babies are born at Holy Family Hospital (HFH). A dedicated team of 153 midwives, 7 specialists, and – since 2023 – 5 residents work in the ObGyn Department to provide mothers and newborns with the best possible antenatal and perinatal care. Moreover, each year, 30,000 pregnant women attend the antenatal outpatient clinic for pregnancy check-ups, ultrasounds, and other necessary health care services. As a tertiary referral hospital for all the smaller surrounding health care facilities, HFH is confronted with a wide variety of pathologies as well as a high frequency of patients, making it a critical hub for maternal and fetal health.
Given this high demand and diverse patient base, MSIP focuses on improving ultrasound skills among the staff and implementing specialized fetal anomaly scans conducted by two of the local consultants. This initiative ensures that fetal anomalies are detected early, allowing for better planning and management of any complications that may arise. Furthermore, we provided a state-of-the-art simulator for obstetric emergency training, which is crucial for training local colleagues in essential obstetrical emergency skills, such as handling postpartum hemorrhage and other critical situations. Teaching sessions also include comprehensive CTG (cardiotocography) interpretation, enabling staff to monitor fetal well-being more effectively.
By enhancing the skill set of the healthcare professionals at HFH, MSIP aims to elevate the standard of care provided, ensuring that both mothers and their babies receive the highest quality medical attention available. This ongoing commitment to education and training is vital for addressing the complex needs of the patient population and improving overall health outcomes in the region.
Emergency and Anesthetic Training
Urogynecology
Due to the high parity of more than three children per woman, prolapse and incontinence are frequent and often still stigmatized problems among Ghanaian women. The therapeutic options are limited, which is why the urogynecologic team of MSIP focuses on advancing preexisting skills and implementing more minimally invasive procedures as well as conservative treatment options. This requires extensive one-on-one training, the acquisition of necessary equipment, and meticulous planning to ensure that on-site visits can provide our local colleagues with focused teaching. To address these challenges effectively, MSIP organizes specialized workshops and professional development sessions for local healthcare providers.
These sessions cover the latest techniques in pelvic floor surgery and the use of advanced diagnostic tools, fostering confidence and competence among the staff. Additionally, MSIP works to raise awareness about prolapse and incontinence, aiming to reduce the stigma through community outreach and educational campaigns. This dual approach of enhancing medical skills and addressing social stigma aims to improve the overall quality of care and support for Ghanaian women.
Achievements and Future Collaboration
The enthusiasm and dedication of the Ghanaian gynecologists were truly inspiring. Despite minimally invasive surgery being relatively new in Ghana, they showed a remarkable willingness to learn and adapt. We are proud to report that, as a result of this training program, the Holy Family Hospital has now become a teaching hospital for minimally invasive surgery in Ghana. This significant achievement marks a step forward in advancing medical practices in the region. We are honored to have been part of this important development and look forward to ongoing collaboration to further enhance the skills and knowledge of local medical professionals, ultimately benefiting the wider community.