LIRA, UGANDA – A team of 74 medical professionals from Belgium has arrived in Uganda to provide essential and specialized healthcare services to thousands of vulnerable people across five districts in the Lango sub-region.
The team, from the organization "Together We Are Strong," was officially flagged off this morning in a ceremony presided over by Uganda's Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, who is also the Woman Member of Parliament for Lira City.
The health minister emphasized the significance of the long-standing collaboration. "This morning, I have just flagged off a team of over 73 medical people from Belgium and the organization 'Together We Are Strong'," Dr. Aceng announced. "They come to Uganda every two years to work in collaboration with the government to provide services to the vulnerable people in our community."
The ten days medical camp will target the districts of Lira City, Lira District, Oyam, Kwania, Dokolo, and Alebtong. The services will include general consultations and specialized care, addressing a critical gap for many who cannot afford medical bills.
Dr. Aceng highlighted the team's commitment beyond just service delivery.
“This team is a very committed team that not only comes to give services but mobilizes medicines and equipment to support their quest," she said. She added that the government is focused on making the partnership sustainable. "We are looking for aspects of strengthening collaboration and ensuring its sustainability so that every two years when they come, the system is already in place."
Leading the Belgian delegation, Dr. Phillip Babylon outlined their mission. "We are 74 medical personnel from Belgium, and we will give health services to the people," he said. He noted that the organization has a deep history in Uganda, having worked in the country for over 20 years since 2005.
Dr. Babylon explained their operational plan: "We will work together with our counterparts in Uganda in health centres. Every day, two teams will go to a health centre and have a polyclinic because we have all the experts—nurses, pediatricians, pharmacists—and so we give care to most of those who will come for the health camp."
Sister Gabriella Oroma, in-charge of Ngetta Health Centre III, welcomed the initiative with open arms. She stated that the outreach would be a significant relief for the community, where many struggle to access healthcare.
"According to Sister Oroma, so many people cannot afford to pay the medical bill and that makes others to escape even from the facility," she said, underscoring the need for such free medical camps. Ngetta Health Centre III is a Catholic non-profit facility.
The impact was immediately visible, as hundreds of people had already turned up by this morning, eagerly awaiting consultation and treatment from the team of international and local health workers. This initiative promises to bring vital medical relief and strengthen the health infrastructure of the Lango sub-region through continued international partnership.
