For some time, Janet Kisa had been feeling unwell. She did not know what was causing it. When she saw a doctor at the Banda medical camp, he examined her and found that she was anaemic. Further investigation raised other concerns, and she was referred to a larger hospital for further assessment.
Janet felt relieved to have an explanation and know where to go next. Further care lay ahead, but she had taken an important first step. Janet Kisa is not her real name; we have changed it to protect her privacy.
When someone has been feeling unwell for some time, it can be difficult to know what is wrong or where to begin. A local medical camp brings health workers and services closer to residents. It gives people an opportunity to seek advice, access screening, ask questions and receive a referral when more assessment or care is needed.
The camp in Banda Zone 3 brought together several services. Residents could access general consultations, HIV counselling and testing, blood pressure and malaria screening, eye care, mental health support, treatment, medicines and referrals. Health education was part of the day, giving residents an opportunity to discuss health concerns and receive information alongside the services.
AgriHealth Promotion Uganda was one of the partners. Our work advances health promotion and community development, alongside nutrition, agriculture and food security, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability. We work with communities to strengthen knowledge and practical action that supports wellbeing and livelihoods. For the Banda camp, we helped mobilize residents, supported health education, contributed medical products and had AgriHealth volunteers present to support the day’s work.
Janet’s experience shows the value of consultation and referral working together. The first assessment helped identify anaemia and further concerns that needed attention at a larger hospital. Clear information and a referral gave her a next step in seeking care.
We thank ANRET Foundation for coordinating the camp, and the partner organizations, health professionals, volunteers, community leaders and well-wishers who contributed their time, expertise, medical products and other support. We are also grateful to the residents who came and engaged with the teams.
AgriHealth welcomes partnerships with organizations and individuals who want to support community health activities. If you can contribute health expertise, education, medical products, volunteer time or other resources, we invite you to work with us to bring practical health support closer to communities. Contact AgriHealth Promotion Uganda at info@agrihealthpromotionug.org to discuss a partnership.
