Helping people with hearing problems in Rwanda
A graduate of the University of Southampton’s MSc Audiology programme hopes to transform her country’s diagnosis and eventual treatment of people with hearing problems.
Kaitesi Batamuliza Mukara from Rwanda studied to become an ear, nose and throat specialist in Nairobi but felt the greatest requirement in her country was in audiology. She graduated from Southampton in 2011 and is now Rwanda's only qualified audiologist. "Studying in the UK was a good experience, everyone was very friendly and I learned a great deal," she says.
Although, Kaitesi now works in best-equipped public hospital in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, there is still much to do. "We can assess patients but cannot treat them at present, although we hope to do so in future," she explains. "We have a waiting list but need more people to reach out into the community and raise awareness of hearing problems in the villages."
Kaitesi would welcome volunteers from the UK, if they can spare a minimum of three months to work in Rwanda. "Extra pairs of hands would be valuable but volunteers need time to understand the environment and get to know conditions in our country." She hopes to work with her country's government to improve the treatment of people with hearing problems.