Overview of health
challenges

Uganda's burden of disease is dominated by communicable diseases, which account for over 50% of morbidity and mortality. Malaria, HIV/AIDS, TB, and respiratory, diarrhoeal, epidemic-prone and vaccine-preventable diseases are the leading causes of illness and death.

Uganda was ahead of most African countries in providing free universal access to state health facilities beginning in 2001. This resulted in an 80% increase in visits, with over half coming from the poorest 20% of the population. However, serious access and delivery problems remain - including distance, transportation, bribery and low perceived quality of care.

Africa map showing Uganda

History

In 2011, Rotary leader Stephen Mwanje, a Past District Governor in Uganda, envisioned all the Rotary clubs in Uganda “working together on a common cause.” A year later, Rotary Family Health Days was launched in his nation and has been held every year since, with the exception of 2020.

Uganda’s 2015/2016 and 2019/2020 prevention strategy identified three objectives:
1. To increase adoption of safer sexual behaviours and reduction in risk behaviours
2. To scale up coverage and use of biomedical HIV prevention interventions (such as voluntary medical male circumcision and PrEP), delivered as part of integrated health care services
3. To mitigate underlying socio-cultural, gender and other factors that drive the HIV epidemic

Africa map showing Uganda

Rotary Family
Health Days Sites

Rotary Family Health Days is most frequently held twice a year in Uganda and has delivered healthcare services to over 800,000 people. 

Click on the report below to learn more about the Health Days that were held in Uganda.

Crowds of people gathered to receive free healthcare services"/>

During Rotary Family Health Days 9,165 people received HIV/AIDs testing and counseling, 1,400 people were screened for cervical cancer, 2,543 people received optical services, 4,138 child health services and 3,527 dental services were delivered.

Impact

In April 2019 a total of 45 Rotary Family Health Days were held in Uganda. The 45 sites were manned by 54 Rotary clubs and six Rotaract clubs.

Rotary Family Health Days site in Uganda
Rotary Family Health Days site in Uganda

During Rotary Family Health Days 9,165 people received HIV/AIDs testing and counseling, 1,400 people were screened for cervical cancer, 2,543 people received optical services, 4,138 child health services and 3,527 dental services were delivered.

Presentation of donated goods

At the sites, 23,532 people were screened for general medical issues and 3,360 maternal health and family planning services were delivered. Additionally, 1,283 people were screened for hepatitis B, 1,404 people donated blood, 1,020 blood pressure tests were done, 461 people were screened/tested for TB and 4,748 people were screened for other conditions.

Presentation of donated goods
Presentation of donated goods

Testimonials

Since 2011 when the Rotary Family Health Days were launched, we have been able to see a reduction in the number of babies dying in the country. Statistics show that in 2010 immunization of children was at 58% but because of the partnership with Rotary and other partners, 97% of all the children have now been immunized

- Sarah Opendi, Minister of State for Health, General Duties.

“I have endured pain for eight years because I could not afford the bill at the hospital, but Rotary came to my rescue with free treatment (tooth extraction) just next to my home. I did not even have money for transport. Rotary must have been sent by God.”

- Name withheld for privacy reasons. Dental extraction patient at Ssese islands (2017).

Country Report

Our comprehensive reporting ensures accurate impact assessment, sustainability and accountability. 

Rotary Family Health Days reporting for Uganda

As a result of movement and gathering restrictions necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, our 2020 campaign was unable to take place.

If you would like to read additional country reports

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