A Doctor for the Poor in Slums of Uganda

Derick has been enrolled in Medical school since August, and is nearing exams.  It has been difficult for him as he does not have funds for a computer, a necessary tool when doing post graduate work in the field of medicine.  Derick has to go to a local bureau in order to do research, often waiting for a turn to use the few available computers.  Although Derick had a laptop in undergraduate school, he had to leave it behind at St. Viane's clinic as the patient records are stored in it. We are hoping to raise $500 to purchase him a new machine to replace his old one, critical to his education.

Derick has found a way to return to the clinic on most weekends, riding the bus from Kampala back to Masaka to give Deborah a break from the grueling patient load.  He also conducted two clinics to test for HIV/AIDS and other diseases, testing over 300 residents from the slums of Masaka.  Many (including children), were found positive and sent for medications and treatments at the local hosptial.  

Recently we were able to move the clinic to a slightly larger building after one of the walls at St. Viane's collapsed into the examination room.  This larger space has allowed the addition of two more patient beds.  

It is vital that we continue to raise funds for Derick to become a physician. The number of lives he has saved already is in the dozens;  with his medical degree he will be able to administer so many more services to the poor of Uganda.  He is dedicating himself to a life of service to the underpriviledged.  Derick is sacrificing greatly to attain this goal; eating on less than a dollar a day (often skipping meals altogether), owning just one pair of shoes and two sets of clothing; and going without rest to research without a computer.  His expenses are great and resources few.  We hope you will help us help Derick.

Links:

• http://www.hthm.org