Care for All: Build a Mobile Clinic for Rural Gulu

Imagine walking for miles under the scorching sun, pregnant and in need of care, just to reach a health facility. For many expectant mothers in Olano village, this was a harsh reality. Their journeys were long, often lonely, and sometimes, simply too much. But thanks to your support, that story is changing.

Bringing Care to Their Doorsteps

Before, essential antenatal care (ANC) was a distant dream for many. Now, we're bringing it to their doorsteps! Our mobile ANC initiative at Olano means that a dedicated midwife visits a Village Health Team (VHT) member's home in specific villages. Mothers no longer endure arduous journeys; they receive vital services right in their communities. This isn't just about convenience; it's about making healthcare accessible and ensuring more women get the care they need for a healthy pregnancy.

Men Stepping Up: A Partner in Health

For too long, women often faced their pregnancy journeys alone. We're thrilled to share that this month, we've seen a remarkable increase in male partner involvement in ANC. How did we do it? We started by drafting invitation lettersand giving them directly to expectant mothers at the ANC and maternity units, encouraging them to bring their partners. The result? More men are accompanying their wives and partners to the facility, embracing their role in supporting a healthy family. This isn't just about attendance; it's about building stronger family units and shared responsibility for health.

Smarter Care for HIV Patients

 Managing chronic conditions like HIV requires meticulous care. Previously, patient information was kept on physical "art cards," making it challenging to track comprehensive service delivery. To revolutionize this, we've introduced an HIV audit tool. This innovative tool allows us to store patient information electronically in excel sheets. Now, our care providers can easily see what services each client is due for, ensuring they receive the full minimum package of care according to their appointment dates. This means fewer missed appointments and better, more targeted support for people living with HIV. We're even working closely with the HIV/TB focal person for Northern Uganda to enhance these service audits.

A Brighter Future for Malnourished Children

Malnutrition is a silent crisis, but we're fighting back. Children previously assessed with Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) were often referred to distant facilities like Gulu Regional Referral Hospital (GRRH) or Love One. Now, we've proudly introduced Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) supplements directly within our program. Children identified with MAM are given an appetite test, and if they pass, they receive these life-saving RUTF supplements. They are continuously monitored and re-assessed regularly to track their progress. This means we're providing immediate, critical nutritional support right where it's needed most, helping these children regain their strength and thrive. We're also intensifying health education sessions in the community to ensure families know about and can access these vital supplements.

Keeping Clients Connected

Even with all these advancements, maintaining consistent care is key. Through dedicated patient follow-ups, we've been able to maintain our number of Outpatient Department (OPD) clients. This proactive approach helps us track lost clients, reduce missed appointments, especially in our HIV clinic, and ensure that our community continues to access the care they need.

Your support makes these transformations possible. From bringing care closer to home for expectant mothers, to empowering male partners, to providing smarter care for HIV patients, and offering life-saving nutrition to children, you're helping us build a healthier, stronger Olano. Thank you for being a part of this vital journey.

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