On Tuesday 5th February, 2019, Doctors with Africa CUAMM celebrated 60 years of great service and contribution to the Health sector of Uganda reaching out to all human beings especially the neediest and suffering in hard to reach areas of Uganda.
This event was marked with a cocktail dinner at the residence of the Italian Ambassador H. E Domenico Fornara in Kololo – Kampala. The colorful event was graced by Dr. Charles Olaro the Director Health Services (Clinical & Community) from Ministry of Health representing the Minister of state for Health as chief guest. Among other dignitaries in attendance were, the US Ambassador H.E Deborah Malac, Msgr. Giuseppe Franzeli the bishop of Lira diocese, former CUAMM staff like Dr. Pier Luigi Rosanigo, Prof. Maniple Bikaitwoha, among others.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Peter Lochoro the Country Representative of Doctors with Africa CUAMM highlighted the key areas that CUAMM has been supporting especially in the areas of Karamoja, West Nile and Lango and these include: cross cutting District Health Systems Strengthening, support to health facilities, support to community health services and recently, support to emergency Refugees services.
“After many years of consistent support, CUAMM work has contributed to marked improvements within the intervention areas for example: in Karamoja, facility deliveries increased from 14,431 in 2013 (21% coverage) to 29,812 in 2018 (57% coverage), 7,206 mothers and 363 neonates were transported using the transport voucher system,” he added.
In his speech, Msgr. Dr. Don Dante Carraro, CUAMM Director reechoed and emphasized the words of the first CUAMM doctor in Africa, “the focus of all our work is the patients. The hospitals where we work and that we have helped build are not ours but theirs, meaning patients.” He stressed that the organization cannot work in isolation and that is why it focuses on operating within the communities.
“We have understood what the people need and we work towards delivering according to their needs in the best way possible,” he added.
Don Dante promised more support to the neediest through the Mothers and Children program, nutrition support and Tuberculosis and cervical cancer in Karamoja and Oyam.
The chief guest Dr. Charles Olaro congratulated CUAMM upon the 60years of commitment towards health care in Uganda.
“As government, we have had a lot to learn from the Christian based organizations like CUAMM for their outstanding contribution and commitment towards their work,” he said.
Dr. Charles applauded CUAMM for their contribution especially in acquiring and maintaining human resource in the hard to reach areas of Karamoja. This has been achieved by facilitating the well-being of health workers both at the facilities and by construction of decent houses for their accommodation.
Over the years, Doctors with Africa has invested in construction, refurbishment of hospitals and health facilities, human resource capacity through trainings and mentorships in order to provide the standard health care to the people and this explains why the organization has remained relevant and still growing in the health sector of Uganda.
Juliet Hildah, Communication Officer
