AGA-ENT in Uganda

Ms Kate Stephenson (Paediatric ENT surgeon, Birmingham Children’s Hospital) was awarded one of two 2023 AGA-ENT – KARL STORZ fellowships and travelled to Kampala, Uganda. 

Following a keynote lecture entitled ‘Technology in Paediatric ENT’ at the annual Otolaryngology Society of Uganda (OSU) meeting, she joined the first fellowship trained Paediatric ENT in Uganda, Dr. Fiona Kabagenyi, at Mulago National Referral Hospital / Makerere University. With Ugandan Medical Council registration, Ms Stephenson joined clinics and operating lists, gaining a first-hand understanding of the challenges faced. 

Responding to local needs, she ran a basic surgical skills course for ENT trainees, finding that bananas are an excellent model for suturing practice! A paediatric tracheostomy care training day was also enjoyed by qualified nurses and nursing students. Interactive lectures and small group simulation training was included in a paediatric airway symposium.  A series of six paediatric ENT-focussed evening lectures also attracted interest from both consultants and trainees, with a virtual platform enabling surgeons from other centres in Uganda to join. 

Significant resource challenges were highlighted, particularly due to the lack of equipment and resources for both ward and theatre care. Paediatric suspension laryngoscopy equipment is urgently required alongside microlaryngeal instrumentation