The recently concluded 5-days medical camp held in Lira City has provided essential healthcare services to 3,800 women from the Acholi, Lango, Karamoja, and Teso sub-regions.
Organized by the Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Uganda under the theme “Improving the Health of Women and Children in Northern Uganda, The camp offered a wide range of free services, including cervical cancer screenings, family planning, nutritional assessments, and mental health checkups, among others.
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Health Minister also the Lira City Woman MP, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, during her closing remarks on Friday emphasized on the importance of women being open about their health concerns. She highlighted the gap between women and men in this regard, noting that women are more open with their health issues.
Dr. Aceng pointed out that the large turnout at the camp underscores the need for more specialized doctors rather than general health workers as health needs are huge. She also mentioned that the government has laid the groundwork by opening new healthcare facilities and planning for a larger number of specialists.
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She further touched on the government’s priorities, stating that finding resources to pay salaries and support those retiring from service is currently a key focus as government is recruiting on replacement basis. She urged the Lango community to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly to improve their health and longevity.
Dr. Prof. Justus Baragaine Kafunjo, President of the Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Uganda (AOGU), called on female Members of Parliament to prioritize women’s health in their regions.
He also advised the Ministry of Health to establish women’s hospitals that are accessible to poor women in the community as during the five-day health camp, a number of fistula patients and cases of adolescent-related infections were registered.
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Peter Okello, Principal Hospital Administrator of Lira Regional Referral Hospital, expressed his gratitude to the Lango community for embracing the medical camp. He also commended Dr. Aceng and the team of specialist health practitioners for dedicating their time to support the community.
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The camp also provided surgeries, infertility treatment, and breast cancer screenings, contributing significantly to the health and well-being of women in the region.
