Dec 16-19: Last week in Uganda

Monday, December 16th

On Monday the 16th, the team embarked on an early morning drive from Mbarara to Fort Portal, marking the start of a meaningful week. With the invaluable assistance of our in-country partner Dan, the visit commenced seamlessly. During our time there, we learned about the breast cancer clinic’s daily operations from nursing officers. They shared insights into their comprehensive referral system, which guides patients from the outpatient department (OPD) to ultrasound sonography, and subsequently to biopsy.

However, we also learnt about challenges faced by the hospital, including shortages of biopsy supplies. A shoutout to the surgeons, nursing officers, and lab personnel who took the time to share their experiences with us.

Key takeaways:

• The need for awareness of women to seek care is one of the number one issues for breast cancer in the country.

• Innovations are welcome in healthcare facilities.

• The healthcare center hosts breast cancer clinic once a week.

• Most regional referral hospitals don't have pathologists.      

• Turnaround is 2-3 weeks for pathology through hub system

• Patients go through both private and public systems to get faster care.

• The farthest patients come from 110 km away from the center.

meeting and presenting to surgeons at fort portal

Demo to lab personnel

team with Dan and Darious in front of the lab

1) meeting and presenting to surgeons 2) demo the tool to lab personnel 3) with Dan and Darious in front of the lab

Tuesday, December 17th

Tuesday brought a lighter yet equally impactful day in Kampala, where we met with Madam Gertrude from UWOCASO (Uganda Women’s Cancer Support Organization). This meeting was profoundly insightful, highlighting the critical importance of post-diagnosis consultation for breast cancer patients, the pervasive knowledge gap surrounding breast cancer, and the ongoing struggle for adequate funding.

Key takeaways:

• Campaigns done by the organization are “all inclusive”: cancer, HIV, malaria, etc. This attracts more people from the village to screen for all kinds of problems.

• There are a large number of patients being served each year by the UWOCASO: 200-500 patients supported by them each year.

• It is incredibly important to include counseling in patient care.

• Social mobilization takes a ton of funding and of essential importance.

• Improvements should be made for communication between pathologists and clinicians.

With Madam Gertrude

Wednesday, December 18th

On Wednesday, the final official workday, the team visited Iganga General Hospital, one of the largest healthcare facilities in the area. Thanks to Darious, we were able to begin our work immediately upon arrival. Engaging with nursing officers at OPD, lab personnel, and surgeons, we validated and deepened the insights gathered from other healthcare facilities visited over the past weeks.

On our way back, the team passed by jinja to take a glance of the beautiful source of the Nile, which runs from Lake Victoria. It was also a birdwatching tour since there are tons of beautiful birds by the river and here we echo the importance of

binoculars again.

Key takeaways:

• The hospital outpatient department takes around 5000 patients per month.

• For patients with breast issue visiting OPD, they are referred to gynecology clinic or surgery department right after, it is mainly the gynecologists that do the breast biopsy (according to surgeons).

• Breast issues are rare for OPD, some seen in mothers.

  
  
  

  

  

  

  1) Demo the tool to lab personnel 2) On top of Nile River 3) Thanks to Andrew who gave us a wonderful tour of Iganga hospital 4) lab personnel trying out our tool

  
  

Thursday, December 19th

Thursday marked the conclusion of our work in Uganda. We bid farewell to our partners at Mulago National Referral Hospital, including Dr. Sam Kalungi and Boaz. Before heading back, we made a brief stop at the craft market to pick up matching keychains and gifts for our families. In the evening, as a gesture of appreciation for our incredible drivers, Samuel and Dennis, and our in-country coordinator, Darious, we shared a wonderful dinner at Café Javas.

This fruitful final week, capped by a joyous dinner, brought our Ugandan trip to a close. The experience was deeply enriching, and the connections we made will continue to inspire our work moving forward.

1) Dennis and Samuel at our thank-you dinner 2) goodbye to Dr. Kalungi and Boaz

Weebale Uganda! (Thank you Uganda!)