The Minister of State for Health, General Duties, Sarah Opendi has appreciated the Uganda Rotary Club for their continued support towards improving the health standards in the country.
The Minister passed the vote of thanks while presiding over the media launch of the Rotary Family Health Days (RFHD), 2018 scheduled for 20th October at Nakayonza, Nakasongoka District under the theme; “Good Health, Happy Families”.
The Minister noted that ever since the Rotary Club of Uganda launched the Rotary Family Health days, there has been registered achievements in the health sector which completes the work of government.
“Since 2011 when the 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,” Opendi said.
Opendi noted that through the interventions by Rotary, there has been a reduction in the infant mortality rate from 71 to 43 with hopes that this will further go down.
“This has been as a result of the scale up in immunization which rotary has also complemented with provision of clean and safe water to communities.”
“We have seen improvements in the life expectancy of Ugandans were in the recent five years it was at 45 years but now at 64 years and we hope this will go higher.”
RFHD Board Chairman, Stephen Mwanje noted that the Rotary Family Health Days is a massive annual 1-3 day nationwide health campaign that provides comprehensive free healthcare services and referrals to citizens.
Mwanje said that this year’s edition is spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Lugogo-Mengo Tree in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Muyenga Breeze.
The RFHD concept rides on the need to provide free medical treatment to communities. Eighty one (81) Rotary clubs spread across the country will set up medical camps on 26th- 28th October at 91 strategic sites. Nearly 90,000 people are expected to benefit from the healthcare services and referrals.
Mwanje added that the Medical sites/camps will offer both specialized and general services in the areas of Cancer screening (Cervical, breast and prostate); Child immunization and nutrition; Family Planning and maternal health; and HIV/AIDs counseling and testing.
“Others will include Dental services (mainly examination and extraction); Optical services; Malaria testing and treatment; Safe male circumcision; Health education and Blood donation.
These services will be conducted by a team of medical professionals from health units around the country.”