Is the world falling apart or does it just feel that way?

We all have challenges in our lives but with access to news as it happens, we may be forgiven for feeling pessimistic on how the world is. However, it is important to remember instead of worrying about what you cannot control, shift your energy to what you can create, to make it a better place.

KHC is proud of its role in helping those who are facing many challenges in their lives, to see a way forward.

Tuberculosis (TB) Project Update

The vast majority of TB cases can be cured when medicines are provided and taken properly. However, TB is the leading cause of death among people with HIV. HIV and TB form a lethal combination, each speeding the other’s progress. Without proper treatment, 45% of HIV-negative people with TB on average and nearly all HIV-positive people with TB will die.

 KHC is pleased that the Local Partnership Health Services TB project, in partnership with Kamwokya Christian Caring Community (KCCC) and funding from @Infectious Disease Institute, was initiated. The project initiation phase of training the team members, mapping TB hotspots, meetings to engage community groups and private clinics has been successfully completed. 

Sarah Komugisha KHC Medical Manager and the Project Co Ordinator provided us with an update.

Q. After a successful Initial Phase of training and setting up connections within the communities how well has it been going in reaching people to test for TB?

‘The project has been going well and I believe, it has strengthened the relationship between the people in the community and the KCCC facility and also, in terms of care and services provided e.g. screening, testing, treatment, awareness, TB prevention etc. There is an element of decentralization that has been built especially in the services provided in the community such as X-ray tests, gene expert tests and radiography. Patients no longer have to travel to the facility, instead the CORPS can bring these services directly to the community.’

Q. What are the key objectives of the project, and does it have a finish date?

‘Our goal is to increase TB case detection at KCCC and ensure 90% treatment success rate by September 2026. And our key objectives are: 1. To increase TB case identification and linkage to treatment of all confirmed TB cases at KCCC to 95%. 2. Ensure 90% treatment success rate among patients enrolled on treatment in the targeted communities. 3. Ensure 100% screening of all contacts of confirmed TB cases and TPT initiation of 95% of eligible contacts.

Q. Why is it so important in reaching the MAR population?

‘It is important to reach the MAR population because these people live in slum areas that are highly populated and this can lead to high TB effect and transmission. Many of the people are itinerant; many are sex workers; and many have problems with alcoholism.’

Q. How do you get people to come and be tested?

‘Community Owned Resource Persons (CORP’s) work in the community hotspots and educate the people about TB. They are screened and those with signs and symptoms of TB, samples are collected and sent to KCCC for evaluation. Those tested positive are linked into care and treatment. Another important task is to do Contact Tracing i.e. to contact any person that has been associated with the person who has tested positive for TB.

Q. What have been the results so far?

‘We have screened and tested 963 people and of those 197 were presumed to have TB and of these 27 had TB and were put on treatment.’

Thank you, Sarah, and wishing you and your team continued success with this important project.

Palliative Care Association and Uganda Cancer Institute Conference.  – “Scaling up- availability, accessibility, quality and equity.”

Cancer and other life-limiting illnesses continue to be an increasing public health concern in Africa. The recent COVID-19 pandemic, Ebola outbreaks, sporadic natural disasters, and the humanitarian situation in the region emphasize the need to scale up cancer and palliative care services to reach geographically remote communities and also a need for better focus on vulnerable/special groups. Due to the nature of highly centralized, urbanized, non-inclusive, and out-of-pocket expenditure of services, communities in remote settings, the poor, and other vulnerable groups are disproportionally deprived of continued access to essential services amidst public health emergency situations.

  L-R Komunisha Sarah, Nanfuka Ursula, Niwagaba Gerever, and Atuhaire Auleria.

Dr. Margrethe Juncker, a long-time friend and supporter of KHC.

A 2-day workshop was held, aimed at reviewing and enhancing the African Children’s Palliative Outcome Scale (C-POS). The objective was to elevate the standard of care for children and adolescents in need of palliative support across the African continent.  The sessions focused on; leveraging of social corporate responsibility; sustaining valuable transcontinental partnerships; and managing corporate reputation effectively.

Ugandan Institute of Cancer (UCI), Remembers and Celebrates

KHC is pleased to be associated with UCI and the work they do for people with cancer, accessing treatment.  A #SuperHeroes luncheon was held with UCI, to remember children who had passed away from cancer, those who have survived and supporting those children currently battling the illness. The children at the hostel were glad to be part of the celebrations. Also, KHC is very happy to be an important part of this journey of trying to get the children well and back home to their families.

Our Local Heroes!

KHC is very grateful for the wonderful support from local organisations who continue to provide with in-kind donations for the New Hope Children’s Hostel. You are our heroes!

VET Centre Uganda – This is the group’s third visit to the hostel and their dedication to give back to the community by helping organisations who support those in need is. Thank you for giving us strength and encouragement.  

“Our hearts are warmed by your kind welcome! Supporting children with cancer at the hostel is a privilege, and we’re humbled to contribute to their well-being. Thank you for recognizing our efforts. Sending love and strength to these brave children” one of the members said.

Agape Blessers Foundation –This group of fellowship women own a cake business. It was wonderful that they could spend time with the children and caregivers.  They generously donated food and other items AND the children (and staff) loved the cake that they made.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Terry Ndiba and Grace Nganga- These two sisters are from Kenya but are currently working in Uganda. Every 2 months they come to the hostel to see the children. They usually bring clothes for the children and sometimes food. They have also kindly connected many of their friends to the hostel who have also come to visit the children and made donations. We love that they respect what we do and the children. Thank you. ( L-R Terry, Grace and Hope Tayebwa.)

 

Celebrating a Milestone – Happy Birthday Pr. Henry Kibirige from SOFOS, who celebrated his 50^thbirthday with the children at the hostel and some of his church members.

Previously the group had kindly donated food and other items to the hostel. 

 

Thank you again Dr. Isaac Osire, who is the Executive Director for Empowerment of Disabled Youth and Children. This organisation supports vulnerable children living with illnesses in Uganda. And, they have been supporting us for a long time, particularly through donations to pay for CT scans and radiotherapy. Last month, he donated 600,000 UGX which enabled 3 children to have CT scans. The families of the children at the hostel would not be in a position to afford these very important tests. They are extremely grateful.  

WAWA Charity Group – is a social group, with 19 members. They are passionate and dedicated to making a difference. They strongly believe in supporting organisations to improve the lives of others and addressing important social issues. They donated food and other essential items to support the children. Thank you for being there for us.

Indian Women Association Uganda – is a group of women that were introduced to KHC by Anni Fjord. They recently visited the hostel to find out more about the work that is done for children with cancer. They generously donated food items such as fruit, vegetables, flour, cooking oil, milk, bread and other items included sanitary towels, blankets, soap, and toilet paper.  Ladies you are incredible! thank you for thinking of our children.

   

It means a lot.

The love and generosity that you our supporters provide to KHC, is not taken for granted as we know there are many worthwhile groups in the world that need help. The local support during some tough times, is wonderful. The in-kind donations in particular food, ensures the children receive nutritious food, to build their strength and deal with their treatment. Also, the visitors make the children happy, and they realise that there are many people, who they don’t know, care about them and want to help them get better so they can go home.

For the KHC staff it also reinforces that there is a lot of good will from many people and that we are not alone in this battle, and how the work we do, is important for those who are disadvantaged in our communities.

 Hats off to these children!

 

 

 

 

On 13 October the KHC staff and children at the New Hope Children’s hostel celebrated 10 years of the Hats on for Children’s Palliative Care. It is to advocate awareness that children who need palliative care deserve access to care, love and treatment regardless of where they live. The children at the hostel enjoyed putting on hats and being involved and of course loved the celebration with a cake! Thank you Komugisha Sarah, for donating the cake.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the innocent people caught up in conflicts throughout the world.

Each of us must learn to work not just for oneself, one’s own family or the nation, but for the benefit of all humankind. Universal responsibility is the key to human survival. It is the best foundation for world peace.

Until next time……