Uganda

The Need

In Uganda, 16 women die every day in childbirth. In 2016, there was a doctor to patient ratio of 1 doctor to 24,000 patients. Hygiene in public hospitals is among the worst in Africa. There is no free medical or dental care for the poor, in a country where 20% of the people live below the poverty line and many, especially in the north, live without toilets of any kind. One-third of children under five years old are stunted. Undernutrition is an underlying cause of 60 percent of deaths for children under five and micronutrient deficiencies, including in vitamin A and iron, are highly prevalent in women and children. Uganda’s population is the second youngest in the world, with half the country’s population younger than fifteen years old. The country has grown by more than 10 million people in the past ten years. Four out of five Ugandan youth (21% of the total population) are unemployed–the highest rate in Africa. For all of these reasons and more, Uganda is a country greatly in need of the acute medical and dental care and community health education provided by IMR. Malaria, respiratory infections, and diarrheal disease are among the most common causes of premature death in Uganda. You will play an important role in the treatment and prevention of these common infections.

A 2016 study found that there is only one physician for every 24,000 patients. Needless to say, the work that you and the IMR team will perform in Uganda will make a lasting difference on the lives of your patients.

During clinic, you will help to treat conditions related to common infections, malaria, respiratory conditions, dihedral diseases, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. Since many diseases are treatable, your team will administer vaccinations and provide education on how to remain healthy. Another main focus of this mission is dentistry. Because all community members are encouraged to attend, the demand for dental care will be high.

Our Work

International Medical Relief began its partnership with Uganda in 2013. Since then, we have deployed nearly 150 IMR volunteers and staff and served more than 12,500 patients. We will continue our efforts to serve Uganda, working alongside local officials to provide medical and educational supplies to reach our goal of delivering sustainable healthcare to the community.

With diligent planning and preparation, IMR is dedicated to ensuring that specific goals are met on our missions, each in correlation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 17.

IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density, and a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders in association to UNSDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing. 

In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our organization works in collaboration and at the request of local hosts where we are under their direct influence and affluence. IMR never goes into a country without a formal invitation where there is a great community need for medical or dental care, and health education.

This Mission

Uganda is the second-largest landlocked country in the world and features a wide variety of terrain. From her snow-capped mountains, low-land savannas, and large lakes to the largest mahogany forest in East Africa, Uganda is a beautiful nation. Because of the diverse topography found throughout the country, unique wildlife is abundant in all regions of Uganda. Here, you can find curious chimpanzees, elusive Nile crocodiles, high-reaching giraffes, speedy cheetahs, and intriguing gorillas. Uganda is home to a renowned gorilla sanctuary called Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. To the north, the Murchison National Park boasts a magnificent 141-foot waterfall and an abundance of hippopotamuses. 

Despite Uganda’s abundance of beautiful wildlife and glorious terrain, her people are suffering. As one of the poorest countries in Africa, Uganda faces problems with underemployment, poorer living conditions, and food insecurity. But, despite these challenges, Ugandans are rich in culture, heritage, and friendliness. The people who live here belong to over 300 tribes, speak many languages, and celebrate different traditions. However, all of Uganda’s people share a love for dance and drama, and their arts, cuisine, and family traditions are inspired by these forms of self-expression. While visiting, you will surely find yourself grinning from ear-to-ear as you are warmly greeted by local children and smiled upon by community elders. In clinic, you will notice that many of your patients are young. Because healthcare in the country is incredibly expensive, many of the young people in Uganda simply cannot afford imperative preventative care. Your team will provide this much-needed care, and connections that you instantly form with the people of Uganda will inspire you to passionately serve and will likely make you want to return for another relief trip!

Lodging/Transportation

Your team will fly into Kigali, Rwanda and then you will transfer via vehicle to the community in Uganda.  You will be hosted by our Ugandan partners in clean, comfortable modest accommodations. All transportation to and from the clinic has been arranged for you. Professional drivers and safe vehicles are some of the many reasons to join IMR on a trip.

Highlights

In clinic, you will find that your efforts make a tangible difference as you treat many patients with infectious disease, large wounds, and a great deal of mosquito and water-borne illness. You’ll be able to do house calls for homebound elders, provide acute care for the large Albino community in the surrounding area, and work in a village that will welcome your care with open arms and giant hearts.

After a busy clinic schedule, the team will see some of the world’s most amazing animals “up close” on your one-day safari, which is included in this trip! Uganda is an excellent place to spot the “big five”– the African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard, and rhinoceros!

Extend Your Stay

You’re journeying halfway across the globe. Have you considered extending your stay to visit some of Uganda’s top spots? Join International Medical Relief on an exclusive trip extension provided by our partner, Worldwide Navigators!

Worldwide Navigators offers two fantastic opportunities to extend your time in Uganda and view some of Africa’s most majestic animals. Contact Worldwide Navigators to book one of these extensions or get more information.

• Gorilla trek day trip into the mountain rainforest as you search for the famed gorillas in the mist
• Multi-day gorilla trek and walking safari

See the Extensions tab on this page for details on these two amazing experiences!

Itinerary at a Glance