WFUMB COE - Kenya

The Center of Excellence (COE) is hosted within the Radiology Department of the Aga Khan University Hospital, located on 3rd Parklands Avenue, Nairobi, Kenya.

The COE plays a pivotal role in advancing ultrasound education, fostering professional development, research, and collaboration across the region.

Educational Programs and Workshops

The COE organizes regular monthly educational programs, covering diverse and current topics in ultrasound. These sessions enhance both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The sessions are led by sonographers and resident doctors and moderated by faculty members and experts in ultrasound. The introduction of hybrid methods has significantly boosted attendance, highlighting the growing popularity and relevance of these sessions.

Recently, the COE hosted a vascular ultrasound workshop utilizing a new hybrid delivery method. A three-day online webinar series took place from 18th to 20th November 2024, followed by three days of hands-on training sessions from 25th to 27th November 2024, in collaboration with the Kenya Society of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (KESUMB). This innovative approach attracted 80 virtual attendees for the webinars and 60 participants for the hands-on sessions, highlighting the high demand for both flexible online learning and practical in-person training opportunities.

Research and Impact

The COE has been instrumental in driving research initiatives that address regional healthcare challenges. The VISIQ project, conducted in collaboration with Philips Medical Systems, demonstrated the potential of midwife-performed basic obstetric ultrasounds for identifying high-risk pregnancies. This initiative:

• Increased awareness of the need for basic obstetric scans.
• Inspired further research, such as the Mimba Yangu project, a collaborative effort with the Department of Radiology and the Centre of Excellence Women and Child Health at the Aga Khan University.

The findings and expertise gained from the Visiq and Mimba Yangu projects played a pivotal role in the development and launch of Kenya's National Obstetric Point-of-Care Ultrasound (OPOCUS) guidelines in November 2024. The curriculum for this program was collaboratively developed by multiple stakeholders, with the COE Director making a significant contribution. These guidelines and the accompanying curriculum aim to standardize basic obstetric ultrasound training and practice nationwide.

Regional Impact

The COE has positively influenced ultrasound practice and training in the region:

1. Skill Enhancement for Practicing Sonographers: Hands-on training programs have equipped sonographers with the skills needed to perform challenging procedures confidently.
2. Continuing Medical Education (CME): The COE’s CME lectures are highly regarded, and efforts to make educational materials accessible to sonographers outside Nairobi have been well-received, particularly through distribution to KESUMB members.
3. Encouraging Careers in Ultrasound: The COE has inspired many radiographers to pursue ultrasound as a career, leading to the establishment of two training centers in Nairobi, with increasing enrollment in diploma courses.

Future Directions, Mentorship and Specialized Training Initiatives

To address challenges in sonographer training and certification, the COE is working to establish a national accreditation process to standardize sonography practice in the country and provide additional training and support for those who do not initially meet the standards. This is still in its initial stages.

The COE is developing a vascular and fetal ultrasound mentorship program in collaboration with KESUMB, aimed at providing specialized training for healthcare professionals interested in advancing their skills in these areas.

The COE remains committed to advancing education, research, and professional standards in radiology and ultrasound, driving improved healthcare outcomes across the region.