Healthcare

One of the headlines in today’s paper was about five children in Uganda who are hospitalized due to severe food poisoning.  I wonder what hospital they are in…which leads me to today.  As every day so far, today was exceptional and one that lead me to tears.  We spent the vast majority of the day touring clinics and hospitals in and around Kampala.  Our day began with an early morning tour of a wonderful organization here in Kampala, Uganda called TASO.  TASO is a donor funded HIV/AIDS clinic that assists the underserved population (which is the VAST majority) living with HIV/AIDS.  This clinic serves anywhere from 150 - 250+ patients a day at the cost of 500 shillings per visit.  (500 shilling is about .25 cents, and the majority of the patients struggle to have sufficient funds to pay - which is why many of the staff pool their money to assist those who can’t afford.)  As I walked down the hall to the restroom (which was a hole in the ground) I noticed the hall was full of people sitting quietly in chairs, some with masks over their face (because they had TB).  The people were patiently waiting to either be tested for HIV, receive family counseling (can you imaging the impact a HIV diagnoses can do to a family) or receive a one or two month prescription of their AVR’s (HIV/AIDS medicine).  At the end of our stay, a group of 25 people sang two songs to us, reflecting their work to bring HIV awareness to the communities in Kampala.  “You and me,” they sang, “let’s fight to the end…you and me, let’s fight unto the end.”  While singing, one man and women told their respective story about the family impact of HIV - being shunned, husband dying - and yet the sang with such beautiful passion.  At the end of our visit, I found that many of these people have been taking ARV’s since the mid ‘90’s.  They were kind, gentle, and so very welcoming.



After the visit to TASO we spent some time visiting the government hospital here in Kampala.  Imagine an open-air complex built in the 1950’s that is busy with people.  We spent some time at the mortuary at the government hospital.  The woman was explaining that if a body isn’t claimed within a few days it will be sent to a mass grave.  She offered a tour of the facility, which was eye opening to say the least.  I walked with the director of the mortuary and she wanted to display all of their work.  She walked us into the room for autopsies to show off the hard work of the individuals.  I looked behind us and realized that she and I were the only ones standing in the room while the autopsy was being performed.  (Now I want to visit a US hospital and see how the process is different in the states.)  Trust me, this was far from the facilities seen on NCIS.  The woman was very proud of her work.  The people who were waiting patiently until their number is called.  Sadly, people have to give money up front before they are treated.  Often, if the family doesn’t have money, that means they won’t be served.  If someone needs medicine, a family member will be sent to a pharmacy to get medicine for the doctor.

We ended our day at the International Hospital here in Kampala.  What a difference.  Whereas at the government hospital one would bring their own sheets, towels, etc. the International Hospital provides all necessary accommodations.  The hospital wasn’t crowded, peopled were dressed well, and the doctors and nurses were accessible.  Walking through the children’s ward, our guide introduced us to a boy who was mutilated by a local witch doctor…now the boy is struggling to pass urine.  In the news two days ago, a 14 year old girl was killed by a witch doctor to bring well-being to the family.  The entire day brought about interesting questions and often sad reflection.

Healthcare…something that has been on the minds of Americans over the past year, is a whole new beast here in Uganda.  The lack of adequate drinking water, HIV, inadequate hospitals all lead to an interesting discussion.  Thank God for people who devote their lives to support and assist those who are sick, dying, or living with HIV.  Maybe we all can “fight the battle together,” to bring about awareness, and assistance to those in need.

We’re about to head to a place called Retrak, a home for street children.  I have a feeling I’m going to get schooled in football!