KIU, Western Campus – The Acholi Students Association (ASA) from KIU Western Campus organized a free medical camp at Lukole Health Center III in Agago District, Northern Uganda.
The camp was held from July 8th to 10th, 2024 and was organized in conjunction with Acholi Chiefdom (Ker Kwaro), Agago District Local Government (ADLG), The AIDS Support Organization (TASO), Marie Stopes Uganda and Basic Needs UK (United Kingdom) in Uganda.
According to the ASA report for the medical camp, it was organized with a number of objectives, which are all in line with ASA’s aspirations.
“The primary objectives were to alleviate the existing disease burden, reduce the financial costs of transferring patients to referral hospitals, promote tangible collaboration between KIU and the Northern Uganda community and provide hands-on training opportunities for medical students,” the report says.
“The camp served 628 patients over three days, with a significant number of attendees being women and children. The majority of the patients were female, highlighting the gender disparity in health service access,” it adds.
The services offered during the camp included patient screening, family planning and antenatal Care, HIV counseling and testing dental services, laboratory services, cervical cancer screening and mental health assessment.
This was the first medical camp organized by ASA and the report recommends that a mobile laboratory, portable imaging devices, a specialized surgical camp and multi-sectoral collaboration should be considered for future camps.
The ASA at KIU Western Campus demonstrated their commitment to giving back to the community through this medical camp. By providing essential medical services and fostering collaboration, ASA showcased their dedication to improving health outcomes and supporting sustainable development in Northern Uganda.
This is the second medical camp to be held by students’ Universities in East Africa associations at KIU Western Campus during the recess term. The Lango Students Association (LASA) organized a free medical camp at Ogur Health Center IV in Lira District from July 8th – 12th.