KAMPALA, Uganda: A three-year partnership between dfcu Bank and Rotary Uganda is taking free health screening, treatment, health education and referrals closer to communities, with 424 residents benefiting from the latest health camp in Mutungo, the lender said on Oct.1 in a media statement.
dfcu Bank committed Shs1 billion over three years to support Rotary Uganda’s health initiatives, including community health camps, screening, referrals and access to specialised care. Since the partnership began, more than 30,000 Ugandans have benefited, including 22 children from western Uganda who have received heart surgeries.
The Mutungo outreach, organised by the Rotary Club of Kigo Seven Lakes Golf with support from dfcu Bank and health service providers, offered outpatient consultations, eye screening, malaria testing, HIV counselling and testing, diabetes screening, triage and medical referrals.
Diana Nanono, Sustainability Manager at dfcu Bank, said access to healthcare was closely linked to household financial wellbeing.
“Health costs can put significant pressure on families, particularly when a condition is detected late. Taking basic screening and health information closer to communities can help people identify health problems earlier and seek treatment before they become more serious,” Nanono said.
Healthcare providers reported cases of malaria and pneumonia among children, alongside hypertension and diabetes among adults. Residents also received guidance on nutrition, physical activity and early treatment.
Maria Odido, President of the Rotary Club of Kigo Seven Lakes Golf, said the partnership was helping address gaps in access to basic health services.
The camp also included a blood donation drive, collecting about 25 units to support patients requiring transfusions, including mothers with childbirth complications, accident victims, surgical patients and people undergoing treatment for cancer and sickle cell disease.
