The newly installed water tank can hold 10,o00 liters of water. Before it’s installation, Karinga Health Center was unable to accomodate a maternity ward.
A microscope, refridgerator, solar system, and other lab equipment will allow the Karinga Health Center to support and reach more members of the community.
Located in the Northeast of Uganda is a vast area known as Karamjoa. This arid expanse of savannah and bush is home to some 1.2 million people, with nearly 70-percent of the population living in rural areas.
Since the 1930s, the Comboni Missionaries have cared for the spiritual and physical needs of the Karamojong. In 1965, the Moroto Diocese was established and in 1993, the Diocesan Health Department was established.
Since that time, the department has grown to support eight peripheral health units with qualified nurses and midwives. The deparment also runs social programs such as HIV/AIDS prevention, home-based care for people living with HIV/AIDS; working against gender-based violence, alcohol abuse, and female genital mutilation (FMG).
Last year, the Ugandan government required all Health Centers II to make upgrades to become level III. These upgrades must include a functional maternity ward, laboratory, and special wards for males, females and pediatrics.
With financing always a difficulty, the Karinga Health Center needed help. Through the Small Mission Projects program of the Comboni Missionaries in North America, we were able to send $10,000 (34,000,000 Ugandan Shillings) to the Karinga Health Center.
A much needed water tower and tank of 10,000 liters was installed. A solar system, which runs the lab equipment and provides power thorughout the buildings, was also installed. Other lab equipment including a refridgerator and microscope were purchased as well.
“We now have running water in the facility and lighting in the whole facility, even in staff houses. The laboratory is furnished with most of the equipment required for a Health Centre III,” wrote Sr. Divina Musimire, Diocesan Health Coordinator.
“Moroto Diocese Health Department is very grateful for the support given from the Comboni Missionaries of Northern American Region. The Health Department of Moroto Diocese is committed, and aiming at strengthening the health system in all Diocesan Health Facilities,” added sr. Divina. “The support we have been given will strengthen our ability to reach some of the most disadvantaged persons in this remote area of Nakapiripirit Catholic Parish and the district as a whole. Karamoja is still recognised as one of the most disadvantaged areas in Africa. The challenges are many, but the struggle in this area is something worth in the spirit of Christian solidarity. Thank you again for your support in this regard. “ALAKAR NOOI.”“
