Doctors invent app to test for reproductive tract infections

A medical team from Makerere University Hospital and the Faculty of Health Services has developed an Android-based mobile application aimed at promoting reproductive health awareness and access to treatment.

The general public can access the service through the Google Play Store on smartphones and learn about different types of reproductive tract infections (RTIs), including their common signs and symptoms. They will then be able to get assistance in case of emergencies, book appointments at Makerere University Hospital or chat with a doctor.

The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Support Directorate of Makerere University supported the medical team to co-develop the Mak RTI mobile application officially launched on Friday at Makerere University Hospital in Kampala.

Head of the Faculty of Health Services, Professor Damalie Nakanjako, who represented Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Professor Umar Kakumba, at the launch, praised the team for developing the innovation.
“Our vision as the Faculty of Health Services is to provide transformative education and research to meet the needs of society, that is, meeting the needs of our population,” Dr. Nakanjako said.

RTIs are caused by organisms normally present in the reproductive tract or introduced from outside the body during sexual intercourse or a respective medical procedure.
Makerere University Health Services Director Professor Josaphat Byamugisha said infections are common among the active age group of 15 to 49 years.

About RTI
Makerere University Hospital head of clinical services Dr Hassan Mulema said they usually receive young patients, “who come with problems such as itchy genitals or complain of pain when urinating.”

According to Dr. Mulema, RTIs can be classified into three categories; sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea and syphilis, and overgrowth of endogenous (from inside) microorganisms normally found inside the vagina, such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections. The third group of RTIs can be caused by medical interventions that can cause infections in several ways.

“External organisms can be introduced into the upper genital tract during medical procedures if infection control is poor,” Dr. Mulema said.
Although infections can affect men and women, the burden of untreated RTIs is especially seen in women as these infections do not show signs easily.

“The individual (in this case, the woman) may end up suffering from repeated infections which can then lead to scarring of the fallopian tubes, leading to their blockage, leading to fertility problems and inability to give birth,” Dr Mulema explained. .
“But even if the mother manages to get pregnant and gets an RTI, the fetus can get it, such as syphilis and gonorrhea,” he added.
Some of these RTIs, Dr. Mulema explained, are also associated with cancers, for example, the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can easily affect the cervix, and someone ends up getting cervical cancer or penile cancer ( in the case of men).

Although there is limited data on the current prevalence of RTIs in the country, Professor Byamugisha said that from his studies, bacterial vaginosis, an abnormal vaginal discharge caused by overgrowth of bacteria, was a common RTI detected among women. .
“But regardless of what the infection is, it should be taken seriously,” Professor Byamugisha said, adding: “It should be treated very quickly and aggressively so that long-term complications do not arise.”

Medical experts advise the population to observe healthy practices such as the use of condoms, as well as ideal bathing and toilet practices, as part of preventive measures.
The app was developed with government funding under the Makerere University Research and Innovation Fund. However, the amount of funding was not disclosed.

About Mak RTI App
· It is an Android mobile application available on the Google Play Store.

· To download, type Mak-RTI to access a variety of information on common RTIs.

· There is also the option to chat directly with a medical expert who can guide you further on accessibility options for treatment.