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Provide Emergency Medical Care in Uganda

2021_02 Appeal (Small)

I also wanted to share with you a letter I received last month from Sr. Juliet Asiimwe. Sr. Juliet is a Missionary Sister living and working in western Uganda. There, she is in charge of the St. Therese of Lisieux Health Center in Kyenjojo District. The health center recently completed an addition — providing an emergency surgery unit. A medical facility such as this has long been needed by the people of the community.

“One of the deep secrets of life is that all that is really worth doing is what we do for others.”

Lewis Carroll (1832-1898)

Original Health Clinic built in 1995

As I write this letter to you, many of us in various regions of our country have been living with social distancing and other restrictions for almost a year now. No doubt, the COVID-19 virus has caused us to re-examine our role in society — and what it is that makes us feel useful in the world. As we pass our days living more isolated, though, we are also realizing just how much we need one another. With this in mind, I wanted to share with you the quote from writer Lewis Carroll — because we do indeed need one another . . . and the kindness and caring you show for those in need speaks to the heart of who you are!

I also wanted to share with you a letter I received last month from Sr. Juliet Asiimwe. Sr. Juliet is a Missionary Sister living and working in western Uganda. There, she is in charge of the St. Therese of Lisieux Health Center in Kyenjojo District. The health center recently completed an addition — providing an emergency surgery unit. A medical facility such as this has long been needed by the people of the community.

New mothers and nurses outside of the Maternity Ward.

“We are located far outside of the city of Fort Portal,” Sr. Juliet writes, “so when there has been a medical emergency, people have not been able to get access to health care quickly enough. A medical facility such as the one we have just completed will be critical in saving lives.”

“The biggest need has been for women who are pregnant and have complications during delivery,” she explains. “Until now, they have had to try to make the long trip to the hospital in the city — oftentimes not being able to get there quickly enough. Additionally, whenever there has been an accident along the road in this remote area, victims have had no other option than to be transported to the city — which could take an hour or more.”

“Building the surgical unit was a community effort,” Sr. Juliet continues. “The people here, though very poor, have given as much as they possibly can to complete the project. But while we have finished construction of the surgical unit, we do not have the funds to purchase any of the equipment needed to furnish it. That is why I am writing to you. There is still so much that we need before we can begin treating patients. Can you help us?”

New surgical building adjacent to the Maternity Ward.

Along with her letter, Sr. Juliet enclosed a list of items that are still needed. It includes an operating table and a vast assortment of surgical instruments for both minor as well as more involved surgical procedures. They will also need lights, carts, oxygen equipment and much more.

I am sure there are those in your own community who need assistance as well. While COVID restrictions may prevent your volunteering at a local health center, you could reach out to those in need by donating canned food items to a nearby food pantry. You could also contact your area’s utility supplier to ask about making a donation to help a neighbor who may be out of work and unable to pay his or her electric or gas bill.

I am also hoping that there is some way you can help Sr. Juliet get the medical equipment the health center urgently needs. While our hope is to raise at least $32,500 for this and other projects in Central and East Africa, please know that any donation you can send will help our missionaries and those we serve. God bless you for all you have done and continue to do!

 

Your Missionary Friend,

Denis P. Pringle
Director of Development