Uganda: Panyadoli Healthcare Project
Improved Immunization Coverage and Reproductive Services: Q3 2017
December 20, 2017
Naku Charles Lwanga and Alphonse Mwanamwolho
Summary of Activities
- RMF procured and delivered sufficient medications, and medical and laboratory supplies to the Panyadoli Health Centres. These were delivered on time throughout the reporting quarter.
- RMF procured and delivered sufficient cleaning supplies, which enabled the team to keep the health centers clean and neat.
- Continuous Medical Education (CME) sessions were facilitated for all staff working in the health facilities, so that team members keep sharing and increasing their knowledge.
- All patients that came to the health facilities received treatment, and those whose conditions were beyond the capacity of the health facilities were referred accordingly.
- Integrated services that benefit both refugees and the host community were continuously provided. For example, RMF’s surgeon works certain days at the nearby district hospital.
- RMF boosted the mental health departments by strengthening community outreaches in order to reach other psychological cases that have been neglected in the villages.
- Follow-up and tracing of patients on ARV treatment were increased.
- Salaries, wages, and top-up allowances for all RMF staff members were paid in a timely manner. This kept the team’s morale high.
- Additional staff members were recruited to support the data management department and the ART clinic.
- Sufficient stationery and printing supplies were purchased to support the data office.
- Maintenance and repair were promptly performed for hospital equipment, furniture, water sources, generators, etc.
- The health facility was maintained and cleaned, ensuring that the compound, wards, offices, common areas, and the entire facility are hygienic and conducive to healing and working.
- Signposts were purchased to increase the visibility of the project.
- RMF continued to facilitate integrated community outreaches (including malaria prevention, immunization, safe birth, HIV/AIDS, and disease surveillance outreaches).
- Continuous immunization of all under-5 children living in and around the settlement was implemented through the health facilities and outreach activities.
- Medical screening of new refugees at Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement was effectively performed during the reporting period.
- Promoted and enhanced teamwork through departmental and general meetings.
- Facilitated UNHCR and partners’ coordination meetings both in the settlement and regional offices, helping to promote cohesiveness in operations.

Results &
ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Implementing Government Policy
Testing for HIV/AIDS
The team started implementing the new government policy of testing all patients who come to the health facility for HIV/AIDS. Presently, we have 1,519 clients on ART, of which 210 are refugees and 1,309 are nationals. The ART clinic treats 110 children below 14 years of age (41 boys and 69 girls).

Rise in Patient Numbers
New Staff Members Hired
Health seeking behaviors have improved among people of concern. This is evidenced by the rise in patient numbers. The improvement is due in part to referrals made by community health workers within the communities. RMF recruited some new staff members for the ART clinic and data department, thus reducing the challenges of long working hours and client wait times.

Improved Immunization Coverage
From 60% to 96%
We have been able to sustain improved immunization coverage. By the end of 2016, the immunization coverage was rated at 60.1, but by end of September 2017, RMF has been able to stabilize the coverage at 96.

No Maternal Deaths
Improved Reproduction Services
Reproductive services have been improved. For instance, during the reporting period ANC attendance was recorded at 91% against the UNHCR set standard of 100%. RMF has been able to* promote safe motherhood* by ensuring that highly motivated midwives are available at the health facility, who handle their work with love and passion. Throughout the reporting period, no maternal death occurred.

Access to Contraceptives
RMF Increasing Awareness
RMF has increased access to contraceptives. *The coverage is rated at 63.2*. At the close of 2016, access and use of contraceptives was rated at 54. This has been achieved because of the increased awareness RMF is creating.

Introducing New Laboratory Tests
Elevating Laboratory Status
New laboratory tests introduced by RMF’s laboratory team in the previous quarter were sustained during the reporting period. These new tests include hepatitis B, hemoglobin estimation, blood grouping, urine gram stain, urinalysis, stool tests, and ZN stain. The Infectious Disease Institute’s plan of elevating the status of the laboratory to a regional hub laboratory is still underway.

Background
& Objectives
Background
The Panyadoli Health Centres, located in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement near Bweyale, Uganda, provide healthcare services to over 100,000 refugees from Kenya, South Sudan, DR Congo, Burundi, and Rwanda, as well as members of the host community.
Objectives
- Provide medicine, medical supplies, and medical support
- Support the Health Management Information System Maintenance (staff and petrol supply)
- Maintain hygiene at clinic to Best Practice Western Medicine standards
- Enhance existing structures for Malnutrition ward and main center
- Provide cooking materials such as charcoal stoves, saucepans, utensils, etc.
- Upkeep and renovation of the health center through periodic re-painting and re-plastering.

More
Photos
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Numbers
Served
A total of 26,818 patients were treated during the third quarter of 2017.


More Reports on: Panyadoli Healthcare Project Archive
Country Page: Uganda
Initiative Page: Panyadoli Healthcare Project