My name is Sanne Vernede, a 24-year-old Biomedical Engineering student specializing in Medical Devices at TU Delft. As part of my second year, I am currently undertaking an internship with Unifix Care in Kampala, Uganda. Unifix Care is a European supplier of surgical instruments based in the Netherlands, dedicated to improving healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa by offering affordable yet high-quality surgical tools.
A key aspect of Unifix Care's mission is ensuring that their instruments are well-maintained, which is the focus of my internship. In Uganda, the 4-bucket system is a well-established method for cleaning and disinfecting surgical instruments. However, it is not always properly followed in practice. During my internship, I will assess the effectiveness of various methods to promote the correct use of the 4-bucket system among hospital staff. This involves visiting five hospitals, each three times, to conduct training sessions and interviews.
Proper cleaning and maintenance are essential to preventing instrument corrosion and extending their lifespan—ultimately helping to save lives while contributing to environmental sustainability.
