Limited diagnostic capacity, inadequate medical infrastructure, and a shortage of trained personnel at Bwagonga Community Hospital in Kanoni Sub-County, Kazo District have prompted the Rotary Club of Upper Kololo, in collaboration with its international Rotary partners, to implement a community-based health project aimed at strengthening disease prevention and improving access to healthcare services.
To address these challenges, the club has donated essential medical equipment, including pediatric beds with jumpy stands, an adjustable adult bed with jumpy stands, a Complete Blood Count machine, oxygen cylinders, a stretcher, ultrasound equipment with computer, oxygen concentrator, sterilizer, incubator, maternity beds, blood pressure monitors, and other vital tools.
The three-year, $50,000 Disease Prevention and Treatment Enhancement Program is designed to enhance the hospital’s capacity to respond to the growing healthcare needs of the local population. Agnes Nandudu, service projects team leader, said the project was funded through a Rotary global grant and supports the hospital via procurement and installation of equipment, training and capacity building for medical personnel, empowering Village Health Teams (VHTs), strengthening diagnostic and treatment services, and conducting community health outreach programs and medical camps.
Filbert Kinyanda, President of the Rotary Club of Upper Kololo, noted that the project has reduced the need for patients to travel long distances for diagnostic services, which had been costly for mothers, men, and children.
The hospital now serves 18 surrounding villages, benefiting an estimated 800 patients. Rotary District Governor Geofrey Kitakule added that, beyond donations, the project educates youth about personal health and the importance of taking it seriously.Edgar, the Kazo District Health Officer, highlighted common health challenges in the community, including malaria, respiratory infections, diabetes, hypertension, skin diseases, maternal and child health complications, and recent anthrax cases
. Sanyu Arinawe, a resident of Kanoni cell, praised the donation of the ultrasound scan, saying it has saved residents from traveling to Ibanda for services, which previously cost between 15,000 and 20,000 shillings. URN