Mekelle, Tigray
A training program on the safe administration of Benzathine Penicillin G (BPG) was held in Mekelle, bringing together healthcare professionals from Mekelle city and surrounding areas. It was made possible by the PrevRHD program, supported by Etiopia-Witten in collaboration with the Tigray Regional Health Bureau and the Mekelle University College of Health Sciences.
Underutilization of the use of BPG use has been pointed out as one of the major challenges in the PrevRHD program, and as part of the solution, this training was conducted. The training, delivered by pediatricians Dr. Alemseged Berhane and Dr. Abadi Leul, focused on the recognition, prevention, and management of tonsillopharyngitis and acute rheumatic fever, as well as safe BPG administration and its role in the secondary prevention of RHD.
Following the theoretical sessions, participants took part in a practical demonstration organized in three groups to strengthen their skills in safe BPG injection and emergency preparedness. It was led by our college’s skills lab personnel and Drs. Hagazi Tesfay and Abraha Hailu.
As part of the program, 45 BPG kits containing more than 1,000 units of Penicillin G were handed over to support health facilities. The kits also included emergency medicines such as adrenaline, atropine, and hydrocortisone, intended to enhance safety during BPG administration. Drs. Tedros Gobezay, Haileselassie Berhe, and Abraha Gebregziabher handed over the kits to the representatives of the 35 health institutions being part of the PrevRHD program.
The training and kit handover are expected to strengthen healthcare professionals’ capacity and confidence for safe BPG administration and contribute to improved prevention and care for patients with or at risk of rheumatic heart disease in Tigray.
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