A team of health professionals, including doctors, surgeons, and nurses, has launched a seven-day free pediatric surgical camp aimed targeting to benefit over 300 children under 18 in the Karamoja Sub-region.
The first of its kind camp which started on Monday, 13, April at St. Kizito Hospital Matany, Napak District is organized by Amigos Internacionales in collaboration with healthcare workers from the Ministry of Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Doctors on Mission International, Bethany Kids, Mwagale Foundation, and South Baptist Missionaries.
Among the vital medical services provided include specialised pediatric general surgery, ENT procedures, and plastic surgery to address various conditions, including hernias, cleft lip, and mobility tests.
Dr. Paul Mulyamboga, the director of medical services at Amigos Internacionales and team leader for Doctors on Mission International, said that the latest camp aims to expand the pediatric surgical outreach program to underserved areas like Karamoja, which was chosen for its significant lack of surgical services for children.
To support the pediatric surgical camp’s success, Dr. Mulyamboga said that the team is also holding a community medical outreach at the nearby Pentecostal Assemblies of God (P.A.G) church in Matany, providing general consultations, disease screenings, surgical and pediatric care, as well as diabetes, hypertension, dental, and eye services.
Dr. Deusdedit Kateregga, the medical superintendent at St. Kizito Hospital Matany, revealed that they there is unmet need for specialiased surgery in the Karamoja Sub-region due to financial and resource constraints
He revealed that on monthly basis, they refer between 15 and 20 patients in need of pediatric surgery to Lira Regional Referral Hospital, Mbale Referral Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor in Gulu for specialised pediatric surgical since they don’t have specialists to handle such patients.
Madelena Losike, an elder in the community, commended the team of health experts for offering her complimentary medical treatment for her chronic body pain, a condition she has struggled with for years due to financial constraints.
Hellen Rose Alupo from Napepelu village equally was grateful the health professional for the free eye-glasses valued at Shs 250,000.
Amigos Internacionales is a dedicated humanitarian and development organization that has been serving communities since 1967.
Originally launched as a mobile dental unit near the Mexico border, the organization has since evolved to focus on meeting human needs and spreading the message of Jesus to those in need.
