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What we do
Impact on Community:
The Kibaale clinic has earned the confidence of the local people who
appreciate its efficiency, resources and quality of care. The clinic has won
the reputation of ministering to the whole person rather than just the
immediate medical condition. Many lives have been saved since the clinic
started in the early 1990's through direct treatment or referral to other
medical institutions. Personal and family counseling is part of the service.
Immunization:
One afternoon per week the medical team runs immunization clinics in local
villages and also provides health education for the villagers. The team
administers free immunization against common childhood diseases and treatment
for parasites and scabies during baby health checks.
Health Education:
Prevention and treatment education is a focus of the clinic. Before the clinic
opens in the morning waiting patients receive instruction on specific health
issues. In the laboratory a trained HIV/AIDS counsellor talks to patients
before taking blood tests, and prepares them for the outcome.
Part of the Childrens Centre:
Kibaale Community clinic is a vital part of the Kibaale Project. It reaches
out to the needy people of the community who live with many hardships and
struggle daily to survive. Apart from the HIV/AIDS problem which is prevalent,
other diseases such as malaria, diarrhea, typhoid, STDs and childhood diseases
take their toll. Currently the clinic attempts to address the needs of 1,600
patients per month. On very busy days as many as 100 babies, mothers and
grandparents seek medical help.
Staffing:
Eight Ugandan staff, some now trained graduates of the Kibaale community
School, headed by a medical officer, work in the clinic. The medical officer
has special training which qualifies her for the rank of a junior doctor. The
laboratory has a qualified technician.
Since the number of treatments grows continuously, we are currently looking
into hiring two additional qualified staff.
A Hive of Activity:
The clinic is open Monday - Friday and commences with prayer and health
education on various topics for the patients who have gathered. Many patients
travel over 10 km for treatment, mostly on foot. Often clinic or other Kibaale
staff have to transport serious, urgent cases to hospitals some distance away.
Clinic Finances:
The Kibaale clinic is funded separately from the rest of the Kibaale project,
with support coming from Canada, England and individual donations. In addition
local people pay a small fee if they can afford it. No patient is every turned
away because of lack of funds. The fee covers all treatment/medication, so
patients know they will not be required to pay additional bribes as is common
in some other medical institutions in Uganda.
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