The Mount Meru Foundation (SMM) has been involved for several years with the health center in Himo, where comprehensive ultrasound services are provided to pregnant women. In 2020, midwife Jackline Shirima was able to complete local ultrasound training with support from SMM. She subsequently gained practical experience under the supervision of Dr. Maeda, a physician and sonographer at the hospital. In 2021, Jackline Shirima attended an advanced training course in Tabora with our trainer Regina Namumba, funded by SMM.

In 2023, Dr. Maeda retired, and since then Jackline Shirima has been the only sonographer at the hospital. She runs fully booked ultrasound clinics, and the need for a second sonographer is both clear and urgent. In 2024, Jackline Shirima attended a refresher course with Regina in Tabora for the second time.

Midwife Esther Mushi was unable to secure a training place in Moshi in 2024, but it was expected that she would obtain a place in Moshi or Dodoma in 2025. In 2025, Esther Mushi was admitted to the training program in Dodoma. Unfortunately, she had to interrupt her training in December due to serious health problems. SMM hopes that once she has recovered, she will be able to complete the program.

In 2023, in collaboration with the Driving Nurses Foundation (SDN), extensive field research was conducted in the rural areas around Himo. There is a clear need for mobile antenatal care supported by ultrasound. However, following the retirement of Dr. Maeda, it became evident that the immediate priority is to strengthen ultrasound training and increase capacity within Himo itself. SMM will therefore focus on this in the coming period.