The Archdiocese of Mbarara Development Association (AMDA) has been nominated for Heroes in Health (HIHA) Awards, a rewards initiative instituted to recognise outstanding individuals, entities and organizations for creating an impact in society.
AMDA has specifically nominated for the impact created by their annual health camps dubbed ‘caravans’ in different communities
AMDA has been nominated under the category of Regional Health Champions for Western region. Other nominees in the Regional Health Champions category are Buganda Kingdom and Musoke Twaha Sebikejje for central region; Dr Baifa Arwinyo, Dr Gladys Atto, and Dr Opio Samuel Akuti for north; and Watmon Robinson, Sam Jumbwike and Kasadha Nasser for eastern region.
The awards ceremony will take place on 25th November 2022 at Munyonyo commonwealth resort.
HIHA is a public-private partnership project instituted in 2019 by the Ministry of Health with the support of Xtraordinary Media.
AMDA is an umbrella body that unites all Catholics hailing from the Archdiocese of Mbarara (covering 12 districts of Ankole) who work/reside in Kampala and surrounding areas.
AMDA stands on the following 07 Pillars through which it believes it will be able to achieve total transformation of communities: Unity, Spiritual Development, Leadership Development, Economic Empowerment, Education Development, Health & Wellness and Environmental sustainability.
As part of giving back to the communities back home, AMDA holds annual health camps in different areas of the Archdiocese. The objectives of the health camps are to bring specialized services near the people who need them, and to promote the healing mission of Christ.
AMDA has held 6 health camps to date: Ntungamo district in 2015 (2,644 patients served), Bushenyi district in 2016 (3,792 patients served), Kiruhura district in 2017(4,289 patients served), Mbarara district in 2018 (5,762 patients served), Sheema district in 2019 (6,157 patients served) and Buhweju District in 2022 (4,782 patients served).
The services availed to the local population at each health camp include: General healthcare for common illnesses, HIV Testing, TB screening and testing, Cancer screening in collaboration with Uganda Cancer Institute, Ophthalmology including cataract surgeries, general surgery consultations including minor surgeries, Dental services, Dental services, Gynecology, Psychiatry, Laboratory testing services, Eye clinic with free glasses, and Radiology. The next Health camp is planned for Ibanda District in September 2023.
All the services offered at the Annual health camps are free of charge and available to every person regardless of their faith.