This past week was Week 5 out of 7. While we waited for a response from Muhimbili, we worked on the two projects we developed during Dr. Leautaud’s visit. For the electronics modules, we taught the DIT interns how each component worked, then how to use a breadboard, and finally how to assemble the circuit on a through-hole board. We also created some guidance documents on using a DMM, breadboarding, and soldering. As for the centrifuge safety switch, we successfully modified the two centrifuges we had available so that the motor only runs when the lid is closed. All we needed for each circuit was a small push button, epoxy, and some wire- a really simple but effective solution that will help protect future device users.

Watching the interns put these two projects together made me feel really proud! We were able to teach them some new skills and provide some more practical experience. The feedback for the electronics modules was especially positive; it seems that they would be an effective teaching tool if incorporated into their coursework or offered by the new design workshop.

While we didn’t receive a response from Muhimbili last week, we did get permission to visit Aga Khan. Our intern group was able to see more of the new facilities and talk to a nurse in the maternity ward. Aga Khan definitely has more resources than Muhimbili does, including newer facilities and equipment and a lower baby:nurse ratio. The two technologies that we’re especially interested in, phototherapy for neonatal jaundice and syringe pumps, are used frequently there, but the nurses rarely have problems with the devices. I’m glad that we were able to visit Aga Khan, whose maternity and neonatal care practices seem to be working well. If we get a chance to talk to a nurse or doctor at Muhimbili, I wonder what differences we’ll see. I also wonder how the DIT interns will view those differences, in terms of a potential workplace.

Though at times things have moved more slowly than I would have liked, I’m also surprised that the end of our internship is so near! There’s so much that we would still like to do here: get faculty feedback on the proposed OEDK space, help with curriculum revision, and visit Muhimbili again. But we’ve accomplished a lot too, from piloting the troubleshooting course to teaching the interns how to solder. Most importantly, we’ve developed strong relationships with the DIT interns and our supervisors. On Saturday, after our visit to Aga Khan, we had all the interns and Madam Kianja come over to our apartment for a lunch featuring Italian, Chinese, and American dishes. We had a great time and I hope that we can spend more time together outside of work before the end of the internship!