Hundreds of Ugandan Orphans and Vulnerable Children Taught Lifesaving Skills

Health Care Coordinator Saves Children in the Kabale District

Situation

According to UNICEF, Uganda has 2.5 million orphans and of that number 1.2 million are orphaned by AIDS. Sister Claudia Tukakuhebwa, Coordinator of the Rushoroza Community Based Health Care Program, looked at the high population of orphans and vulnerable children in the rural Kabale district of Uganda and immediately saw the need to support the hundreds of orphans and vulnerable children living in the area.

Solutions

Sister Claudia participated in RGH’s online 7‐Day MPH program in September of 2007. She and her team set the goal of improving the lives of more than 800 orphans and other vulnerable children and 600 families by working with them in their homes and educational environments by the year 2012. Drawing inspiration, optimism and enthusiasm from the 7 Day MPH program, Sister Claudia and her team pledged to, “…begin making a difference as team, as individuals in our areas of operation to add what we have been doing qualitatively, efficiently and consistently because of this farther impetus.”

Success

Through their hard work they have reached 802 orphans and vulnerable children in their district, which has resulted in:

• A reduction in the number of street children and the risk of becoming one.
• Vital lifesaving skills shared.
• Awareness among community members of the rights and ways to assist orphans and vulnerable children.
• Utilization of counseling and guidance has led to increased self‐esteem among children.
• Reduced stigma for those with HIV and AIDS.
• Reduced traumatic tensions and bereavement

About this Series

RGH’s 7-Day online programs provide participants with dynamic capacity building solutions that empower real country-led development. This series highlights the success of participants as they strive to bring better health and well-being to their communities and countries.