MAKERERE UNIVERSITY LUNG INSTITUTE JOINS BUGANDA KINGDOM HEALTH ENGAGEMENT FOR NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
The Makerere University Lung Institute, represented by its Lung Cancer Working Group, played a pivotal role in the recent Health Community Engagement organized by the Kabaka Foundation at Bulange Mengo in Kampala, Uganda. The event aimed to raise awareness about Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) while providing crucial screening, treatment, and referrals for individuals in need of specialized care.
Operating within the event’s framework, the Lung Institute facilitated screenings for various respiratory conditions, with a notable focus on lung cancer. Approximately 200 clients, spanning across different demographics, were attended to, underscoring the initiative’s widespread significance.
Screening procedures included thorough assessments for lung cancer, asthma, and other respiratory ailments. For individuals showing symptoms indicative of lung cancer, meticulous records of their contact details were collected, with immediate referrals arranged for further evaluation at Makerere University Lung Institute in Mulago.
Collaborating with the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Program (NTLP), every participant underwent sputum testing for tuberculosis, a prevalent infectious disease with significant health risks. Those who will test negative will be referred for comprehensive respiratory health assessments.
Irene Najjingo the Lung Cancer working group lead emphasized the necessity of directing efforts towards treating individuals diagnosed with NCDs, highlighting the significant progress made in diagnosis nationwide, signaling optimism for more effective management and mitigation strategies.
The collaborative efforts, led by the Makerere University Lung Cancer Working Group in partnership with esteemed organizations like the Kabaka Foundation and NTLP, embody a collective drive towards enhancing community health and well-being.
Surgeon Dr. Treasure Ibingira, a member of the Lung Cancer Working Group, acknowledged the substantial disease burden observed but expressed hope for the future, citing the expansion of specialized services provided by MLI.
By leveraging platforms such as Health Community Engagement, stakeholders aim to bridge healthcare accessibility gaps, raise awareness, and deliver essential services to those in need. These initiatives serve as testimonies to the transformative impact of collective action in addressing Non-Communicable Diseases and advancing public health agendas on a broader scale.
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