Medical Camp — Kyempara Health Center III
Date: 29th – 30th December 2024
Location: Kyempara Health Center III, Kasese District, Uganda
A two-day medical camp was organised with an emphasis on non-communicable illnesses, including diabetes, hypertension, and cervical cancer. Our goal was also to reduce period poverty by teaching teenage girls how to produce reusable sanitary pads. In addition, we treated several general medical disorders and performed HIV and Hepatitis B screenings and tests.
Objectives
- Increase awareness about menstruation as a natural and healthy bodily function
- Educate girls on proper menstrual hygiene practices
- Equip girls with the skills to make and use reusable sanitary pads
- Reduce stigma and negative social norms associated with menstruation
- Offer health education talks to the community about non-communicable diseases and how to prevent them
Outcomes
- 130 beneficiaries benefited from the different services offered
- 71 beneficiaries were screened and tested for diabetes — 4 were found diabetic and eligible for treatment
- 46 beneficiaries were found to be hypertensive and given treatment
- 100 beneficiaries were screened and tested for HIV — 1 person tested positive (already on antiretroviral therapy)
- 26 beneficiaries were tested for Hepatitis B — 1 tested positive (already being managed at Bwera Hospital)
- 49 girls were trained on how to make reusable sanitary pads — all of them learned the skill by the end of the training
- 18 mothers were screened for cervical cancer using visual inspection under acetic acid — 1 was found positive and linked to Bwera Hospital for HPV test and further management
- Remaining drugs were donated to Kyempara Health Center III to continue supporting the community
Challenges
- Overwhelming numbers on Day 1 for one laboratory technician — some beneficiaries had to return the next day
- People turned up in large numbers on Day 2 for Day 1 activities, despite different activities being planned
- Slow uptake of cervical cancer screening — most mothers gave an excuse that they were in their menstruation
Conclusion
There is a clear need for medical services to be continuously brought closer to the communities. Hypertension is more common than diabetes in the communities, ascribed to ongoing stress. Widespread and ongoing health education is needed to prevent more cases and enhance health-seeking behaviours.