Kithoma Market, Buhuhira Sub-County—January 8, 2025:
The Amazing Friends for Development Association (AFRIDA), hinged on the Promotion of Unity, Literacy, Health, and Economic Empowerment has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to community welfare by organizing a highly successful medical camp that touched the lives of over 1,000 residents. This initiative, conducted by AFRIDA medical professionals in partnership with key health and development organizations, left an indelible mark on the health landscape of Buhuhira Sub-County.
Community-Centered Healthcare Initiative
The medical camp, held at Kithoma Market, brought together a coalition of dedicated partners, including St. Paul’s Hospital, Reach a Hand Uganda, Buhuhira Health Center III, GEDA Uganda, VisionSpring, National Organisation of People living with Hepatitis B, Kasese Guide Radio, Strides Medical Center, and Friends of AFRIDA among others. This collective effort was powered by resources contributed by AFRIDA members, who spearheaded the fundraising effort during a recent dinner in Kasese Municipality. The dinner featured a mini-fundraising event to supplement member contributions, ensuring the camp’s financial viability and success.
Services Rendered and Impact
The camp provided a wide range of medical services, addressing some of the most pressing health needs in the community. Key services included:
- Screening and Management of Non-Communicable Diseases:
- High blood pressure and diabetes screenings were conducted, enabling early detection and management of these silent killers.
- Cervical Cancer Screening:
- Women in the community benefited from life-saving cervical cancer screening services.
- Hepatitis B Screening and Vaccination:
- Comprehensive Hepatitis B testing and vaccination services ensured a proactive approach to combating this prevalent disease.
- General Consultations:
- Residents received general medical consultations, addressing a variety of illnesses and concerns.
- Health talks
These mainly focused on general health issues and challenges, nutrition, food safety among others.
The overwhelming turnout underscored the immense need for accessible healthcare services in the region. Patients expressed gratitude for the opportunity to access quality care close to home, many of whom had never undergone health screenings before.
Medical personnel taking patients vitals
A Legacy of Giving Back
This medical camp is part of AFRIDA’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda, which falls under its Welfare Department. AFRIDA’s vision—“To be a premier association in the promotion of Unity, Literacy, Health, and Economic Empowerment of its members and their communities”—has consistently guided its community outreach programs.
AFRIDA President addressing the media during the medical camp[/caption]
Since its inception, AFRIDA has initiated several impactful activities, including:
- Donation of mattresses to Bwera Hospital in 2022.
- Provision of assorted items to Kasese Municipal Health Center.
- Cleaning of Kasese town as part of a community hygiene initiative among others.
Some of the AFRIDA Members during the medical camp
Voices from the Ground
Ms. Agnes Bwambale, a resident who attended the camp, remarked, “This medical camp has been a blessing for my family. The free screenings and consultations have helped us understand our health better and take steps to improve it.”
The medical professionals at the camp, emphasized the importance of early detection, saying, “Health camps like this one are essential for reaching underserved populations. Many illnesses can be managed or even prevented if caught early.”
Looking Ahead
AFRIDA’s success in Kithoma Market reaffirms its commitment to improving community health and well-being. By leveraging partnerships and mobilizing resources, AFRIDA continues to make a tangible difference in the lives of the people it serves. Plans are already underway for similar initiatives in other underserved areas, ensuring that the spirit of unity and service remains at the heart of AFRIDA’s mission.