The partnership between the Universitätsklinikum Ulm and the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi, focuses on expanding the spectrum of neurosurgical care available and introducing standardised treatments.
Problem: In Malawi, road traffic accidents are among the 10 leading causes of death, and the figures have risen in recent years. Medical literature indicates that a lack of treatment or inappropriate treatment is the main reason why patients die. There is a lack of a fixed curriculum and training regulations covering the training of neurosurgeons in Malawi.
Main activities: Within the scope of the partnership, a Malawian neurosurgeon is to spend time shadowing colleagues at a hospital in Germany. There are plans for surgical and theoretical training for junior hospital doctors. Nursing staff and staff therapists are also to receive further training. Administrative staff from Germany are to spend some time at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, in order to establish an independent neurosurgical unit.
Short-term results: Basic and advanced training for neurosurgical specialists is to enhance the care available to patients in the partner hospital.
Long-term results: Structured further training is to increase the number of neurosurgeons available and enhance the quality of treatment in line with Malawi’s national health strategy.