Kiwanyi, a Village in Namutumba where mothers produce from Home.

NAMUTUMBA, Uganda – The village of Kiwanyi in Namutumba district on Saturday received a much-needed medical and charity camp courtesy of Love Pack Foundation, a non-prifit charity organization. The camp, which was held in collaboration with Uganda Sickle Cell Rescue Foundation (USCRF) and Uganda Rotary Club, provided medical attention to at least 70% of the locals amidst scarce financial support from donors.

With no health center in the village, many residents resort to witchcraft and Traditional Birth Attendants.

“We are grateful for the medical camp, but we need more,” said Natulinze Betulina, a local farmer and mother of four. “Many of us cannot afford to visit a health center, and we end up giving birth at home with the help of Traditional Birth Attendants.”

The medical camp aimed to promote awareness about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in the community.

Sickle cell disease is a lifelong, inherited disorder affecting the red blood cells and according to the Ministry of Health, “it is a leading cause of childhood illness and death in Uganda”. The illness is characterized by lifelong anemia, bone crushing episodes that last for days or weeks, disability from brain strokes in childhood, and early childhood death from the infection. According to Dr. Diana Atwine, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health in Uganda, over 20,000 children are board with the Sickle Cell disease in Uganda per year.

The camp however revealed a more pressing issue – the lack of access to healthcare in Kiwanyi village. With no health center in the village, many residents resort to witchcraft, Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA)and herbal concoctions due to the long distances walked to the nearest health center.

“The people of Kiwanyi are suffering, and we need help,” said Mr. Bayindu Steven, chairperson of Kiwanyi subcounty. “We have no health center, and many of our people resort to witchcraft and TBA leading to maternal deaths because they cannot afford to travel to the nearest health center.”

A resident of Kiwanyi village receiving a free medical care courtesy Love Pack Foundation during a medical camp recently. PHOTO/ Elizabeth Koshaba

Dr. Muwereza Wycliff, who led the medical team, reported that Malaria and HIV were among the major diseases diagnosed in the community. He also noted that pregnant mothers in the community rarely go for Ante-natal care, putting them at risk of death during birth.

“We need to do more to promote awareness about healthcare in this community,” Dr. Muwereza said. “We also need to support the local health system to ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare.”

The medical camp was supported by doctors and a team of volunteers from Love Pack Foundation who generously contributed their time and finances to help the people of Namutumba. While the initiative provided much-needed medical attention, it also highlighted the need for sustained support and awareness in the community.

As one resident, Namulondo Hellen, a 20-year-old expectant mother, said, “We need more help. We cannot afford to visit a health center, and we end up giving birth at home. It is risky, but we have no choice.”

Hellen is grateful that she received a maama Kit at the time when her pregnancy is due. Other items donated to the community included Sugar, a box of laundry soap and clothes among others.

The story of Kiwanyi village is a testament to the challenges faced by many communities in Uganda. While organizations like Love Pack Foundation are making a difference, more needs to be done to address the systemic issues that prevent people from accessing quality healthcare.

Some of the mothers who received free medical attention from Love Pack Foundation in Kiwanyi village. PHOTO/Elizabeth Koshaba

“We need the government to intervene and provide more resources to our health system,” said Mr. Kibwiika Samuel Moses, chairperson of the Village Health Team (VHT). “We also need more organizations like Love Pack Foundation to come and help us.”

As the medical camp came to a close, the residents of Kiwanyi village were left with a sense of hope and gratitude. While the challenges they face are many, they know that they are not alone.

“We are grateful for the help we received, and we hope that more organizations will come and help us,” said Natulinze Betulina.

Kiwanyi village is a story of life and hope that even in the midst of challenges, there is always hope. And with the help of organizations like Love Pack Foundation, communities like Kiwanyi can receive the medical attention they so desperately need.