Building Local Champions: Training of Trainers Workshop (10th – 13th September 2025)
From 10th to 13th September 2025, we had the privilege of hosting a Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop that brought together passionate health professionals from across Uganda. For four days, the room was full of energy, ideas, and a shared commitment to strengthening health services in our communities.
This training is part of a bigger journey. Over the next two years, we will continue to identify and empower selected health workers as Trainers of Trainers. These champions will go on to train even more health workers at district and regional levels, ensuring skills and knowledge reach where they are needed most.
Participants not only gained new technical skills but also built the confidence and tools to become facilitators and mentors. The mix of professionals from different regions created a vibrant learning environment, full of real-life experiences, challenges, and practical solutions.
What stood out most was the commitment of everyone present—to take what they’ve learned and make a real difference back home. With such a strong start, we are excited about the ripple effect this training will have in the months and years to come.
TRAINERS OF TRAINERS MEETING HELD FROM 10TH TO 13TH SEPTEMBER 2025.
MEETING OVERVIEW.
The trainers of trainers meeting was held at Makerere University College of Health Sciences, school of medicine at the Deans conference room, school of medicine from 10th to 13th September 2025.
The meeting aimed to equip trainers with knowledge and skills to train other healthcare workers on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) management through webinars and Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions. 32 healthcare workers from various regions, including Mbale, Jinja, Luweero, Pallisa, Kampala, Gulu, Mityana, and Kayunga were in attendance.
The facilitators for the training included; Prof.Sarah Kiguli, Dr.Ruth Namazzi and Dr.Philip Kasirye.
Topics Covered
1; Diagnosis of Sickle Cell Disease:
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder affecting hemoglobin production, leading to abnormal red blood cells. Early diagnosis and effective management are crucial to prevent complications and improve quality of life.
Diagnosis; Newborn Screening: Early detection through newborn screening programs enables prompt intervention.
Hemoglobin Electrophoresis: Confirmatory testing to identify abnormal hemoglobin variants.
Genetic Testing: Molecular diagnosis to identify genetic mutations.
Management1. Hydration: Adequate hydration to prevent dehydration-induced sickling.
Pain Management: Effective pain control using medications and other interventions.
Hydroxyurea: Disease-modifying therapy to reduce frequency of painful crises.
Blood Transfusions: Regular transfusions to reduce hemoglobin S levels.
Infection Prevention: Prophylactic measures to prevent infections.
Key Takeaways
1. Participants gained in-depth knowledge of SCD diagnosis and management.
Trainers learned how to provide effective feedback during training sessions.
Participants were equipped to train other healthcare workers through webinars and CME sessions.
Expected Outcomes.
The trained trainers will cascade their knowledge to other healthcare workers, improving SCD management and care across various regions.
Conclusion
The Trainers of Trainers meeting was successful in achieving its objectives, and the participants will become better equipped after attending the online sessions for six months from September 2025 to February 2026.