Collaboration with Local Healthcare Resources
Our scope of care is very limited and our time in country is brief. Therefore, it is essential that we collaborate with local resources to help the people we serve get the healthcare they need.
Hellen Adengo teaching classes about Taking Care of Yourself During Pregnancy and Newborn Care.
Hellen Adengo, the Clinic Director at the All Saints Buchangandi Clinic in Goli Goli with Team Leader Jean Proehl.
Referrals
When patients need services we cannot provide, we work with local clinics and hospitals to get them care if it is within our reach financially.
We typically pay 80% and the patient/family covers the balance.
Examples
Many patients develop hernias because of hard physical labor and these may prevent them from working, growing food, and supporting their families. We refer patients to a local clinic for repair. The cost is about $110 U.S.
Neonatal meningitis is common and babies who survive often develop hydrocephalus (water on the brain) which leads to brain damage and, eventually, death. Fortunately, a CURE Hospital specializing in pediatric neurosurgery is nearby and we refer these patients to them for management.
They perform more neurosurgeries than any other hospital in the world!
Neurosurgeons come from all over to learn their innovative techniques which often allow for the treatment of hydrocephalus without a shunt.
Team Visiting CURE Hospital in Mbale
Team meeting with surgeons at the CURE Hospital
HIV Screening
There are about 1.5 million people with HIV in Uganda. A national initiative encourages everyone to be tested and know their HIV status.
We do not provide HIV screening because we cannot provide follow up.
We invite the Ministry of Health to set up a station at the clinic and take advantage of our circumstances (large crowds of people waiting to be seen) to perform free screening.
There is usually a screening station every day the clinic is open with 100-150 people typically screened each day.
Patients who screen positive are entered into the public health system for free follow up which includes counseling and anti-retroviral medications.
Condom Distribution
The Ministry of Health provides thousands of free condoms which are distributed at the daily condom classes and in clinic.
Condoms are provided by the Ugandan Ministry of Health.
Immunizations
We do not provide immunizations because of the logistical challenges of refrigeration and record-keeping.
We invite local public health agencies to set up a station at the clinic and take advantage of our circumstances (large crowds of people waiting to be seen) to administer free vaccinations.
