Health
Like most remote rural fishing communities, the inequality in the geographic distribution of health resources is evident in this part of eastern Uganda. Patients have to walk long distances to access health facilities which usually are understocked with no specialized medics to handle various illnesses and medical emergencies.
For resource dependent communities like pingire where fishing and farming are main activities, the health of the population is of paramount importance if people are to remain productive and sustain a viable livelihood.
For resource dependent communities like pingire where fishing and farming are main activities, the health of the population is of paramount importance if people are to remain productive and sustain a viable livelihood. Until recently, these communities had registered an alarming number of avoidable deaths due to late diagnosis, lack of transport in times of emergency, to mention but a few.
Opolot Fred Foundation recognizes human health as a necessary investment if we are to achieve socio-economic transformation, and create resilient and empowered communities.
As such, the foundation is working with various development partners to lower child and maternal mortality, improve basic health care for all and sensitize the masses on primary health. These efforts have been demonstrated by purchase of a Mercedes Benz Class B ambulance to offer first aid and faster evacuation of patients to nearest hospitals , distribution of mosquito nets and covid-19 kits, most importantly, organization of health camps for specialized treatment.
The Eye Care Camp
In partnership with North India Cultural Association and Eye Camp Africa Charity-UK, the Foundation organized an Eye care Health camp in 2022 where; drawing people from Eastern, Northern and West Nile regions Uganda.
2316
were screened
1433
medicated
1090
given glasses
236
cataract surgeries performed
Alongside the eye health camp was another camp assessing people who lost there limbs, taking measurements of anomalies per affected person in order to manufacture customized artificial limbs to be donated in March 2023.
