In the countries of the Global South where Child-Help is active, there is often a lack of basic medical equipment to enable children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus to receive the care they need. A mobile ultrasound device can make all the difference here – it enables the early detection of kidney damage (hydronephrosis), the diagnosis of hydrocephalus and also helps to recognise other internal conditions at an early stage.
In contrast to a computerised tomography (CT) scan, ultrasound is completely radiation-free and poses no risks to the child. A CT scan should only be carried out if it is absolutely necessary, for example if the fontanel (in babies) is already closed or if serious anomalies or tumours need to be examined. In most cases, however, ultrasound can replace a CT scan – it is cheaper, quicker, safe and can be used anywhere.
Children born with spina bifida often suffer from impaired bladder function. The so-called neurogenic bladder does not empty completely and can lead to high bladder pressure. If the kidneys are not checked regularly, reflux (backing up of urine) and hydronephrosis (kidney congestion) can occur unnoticed. If this is not recognised in time, there is a risk of lifelong complications and kidney damage, including kidney failure. Ultrasound is a crucial tool for early detection.
Early diagnosis by ultrasound is also life-saving in children with existing or progressive hydrocephalus, where fluid builds up in the brain and increases intracranial pressure. Particularly in babies with an open fontanel, ultrasound examination of the cerebral ventricles can help to monitor the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and decide whether to perform a shunt operation (drainage system for excess cerebrospinal fluid).
In countries such as Uganda, Kenya or Malawi, there are only a few hospitals that have a functioning ultrasound machine. Many families have to travel long distances to have an examination carried out – often without success, as the equipment is not available or the examination is unaffordable for the families concerned.
This means for children with spina bifida:
❗ Kidney damage often remains undetected for a long time
❗ Progressive hydrocephalus is not recognised in time
❗ The necessary treatment often comes too late
A mobile ultrasound device enables our partners to regularly examine the children directly in the villages, communities and our Houses of Hope. This allows kidney problems to be detected early and the shunt function of children with hydrocephalus to be monitored – without the families having to travel long distances or incur high costs.
Mobile ultrasound is urgently needed, especially in projects such as our mobile clinics, home visits or the Houses of Hope. The nurses and care workers who regularly make home visits to children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus can use the device to check the bladder and kidney function directly on site and react immediately in an emergency.
The advantages at a glance:
✅ Early detection of kidney damage and hydrocephalus
✅ Avoidance of serious complications and kidney failure
✅ Fewer hospitalisations and unnecessary operations
✅ Significant cost savings for the affected families
✅ Significant improvement in the children’s quality of life
In addition to purchasing mobile ultrasound equipment, Child-Help also focuses on training medical staff in our local projects. They learn how to carry out ultrasound examinations independently and recognise kidney problems or impending hydrocephalus at an early stage.
This prevention work is an important step towards preventing long-term complications and improving medical care in the affected countries in the long term.
The story of little Niara from Tanzania shows how important an ultrasound machine is for children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus:
Niara was born with spina bifida and suffers from bladder dysfunction. Thanks to an ultrasound scan, it was possible to determine in good time that her kidneys were at risk due to urine retention. Early catheterisation enabled the kidneys to be protected.
The onset of hydrocephalus was also recognised – a shunt was inserted to regulate the intracranial pressure. Today, Niara can go to school and has big dreams for her future.
But thousands of children in our project countries do not have this opportunity because there are no ultrasound machines.
We can change that with mobile ultrasound devices.
By purchasing mobile ultrasound equipment and training our medical staff, we ensure that children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus receive the medical help they urgently need in good time – for a real chance of a self-determined future.
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