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ecome a part of the holistic ministry of the Orthodox Church in Uganda by providing health care services in Gulu, northern Uganda and working in medical clinics in nearby villages to treat patients with various illnesses. The team will minister to the physical needs of children and adults who have been affected by the civil strife in the region. All health care personnel, especially doctors, are invited and needed to participate.
The 2010 OCMC Uganda Orthodox Mission Health Care Team will begin their ministry at the Orthodox Mission Center in Kampala and visit the Holy Cross Medical Hospital (a ministry of the Orthodox Church of Uganda). The Team will then travel to northern Uganda and work in various medical clinics in the Gulu area. Team members will treat patients as well as provide health education to individuals who have been affected by the civil strife in the surrounding communities. Members will care for people with malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea, stress related illnesses, ulcers, skin diseases, diabetes, eye problems, STD’s, TB, secondary infections from AIDS and other tropical diseases.
Individuals of this region have been affected by 20 years of civil conflict resulting in the internal displacement of up to two million persons. The Acholi people in this region were one of hardest hit and the population is heavily reliant on nongovernmental agencies to cover health care gaps that the Ministry of Health can not fill due to lack of finances and manpower. In this region, malaria is the top self-reported cause of death among children under five.
The distance to a health care facility and the lack of money to purchase medicines are the main reasons why they cannot provide health care for their children. In a country where it is reported that only 49% of households have access to health care facilities, the rural areas, such as Gulu, have great physical need. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health indicators are improving – but the country is ranked 145 out of 177 on the United Nations Displaced Persons Human Development Index scale.
Under Metropolitan JONAH of Kampala and All Uganda, the Church in Uganda is reaching out to offer a holistic ministry to meet the spiritual and physical needs of people. This project was initiated at His Eminence’s invitation and is part of a health care outreach of the Church. This Team brings new hope as OCMC offers a third year of health care outreach to the Church in Gulu.
The 2010 Uganda Health Care Team will provide an opportunity for health care providers to minister to the physical needs of thousands of children and adults. All types of medical professionals can give the gift of hope by volunteering their skills in this region, which is still healing from the pain and suffering of decades of strife. Doctors, dentists, nurse practitioners, DOs, nurses, pharmacists and health care students are needed for this health care outreach.