Project Bududa
Uganda
Uganda is a landlocked country located in eastern Africa and shares its borders with five other countries. With more than 40% of rural Ugandans living in abject poverty and the harsh reality of being a top 10 country for HIV prevalence rates, a complex health situation exists. With the HIV epidemic, as well as problems such as malaria and other tropical diseases, lack of adequate maternal and child health services and other complicating factors, the need for access to healthcare facilities, trained medical staff and medical supplies still remains a goal with slow progress for the country.
Where
Project Bududa sits at the base of Mt. Elon, approximately 260km east of Kampala. Bududa is a remote zone often labeled the "forgotten district."
Why
Project Bududa is located in one of the poorest districts within Uganda. Extreme poverty, a lack of infrastructure and low education levels all contribute to a more complex health situation. We work to beat the statistics and focus on issues such as HIV, malaria and maternal and child health.
How
We partnered with a grade school. We saw a need much greater than our initial efforts. We surveyed the community. We talked to leaders. We built a larger clinic and expanded our medical staff. We strategically developed partnerships to provide additional benefits. We now provide clinical services and outreach programs to over 14 communities.
Our Work
Since expanding our services at Project Bududa to encompass more than 14 communities in the area, we, more than ever, have seen the need to actively listen and respond to the current health situation. Input from our medical and outreach teams, clinical data, a community based advisory committee, as well as current groups, have all led to the expansion and continued growth at Project Bududa. With the support of our volunteers, we dedicate our resources to three main areas of focus: clinical activities, health education and special initiatives. Below are a few examples of our work.
Access
-Primary care services for patients of all ages
-Maternity ward
-HIV testing and counseling
Education
-Orphaned and Vulnerable Children Program
-Community Health Educator Program
-Patient Education Program in waiting room
Participation
-Health education to community orphans schools
-Malaria net treatment
-Orphan and vulnerable children nutritional garden
- Women's empowerment group
Volunteer
Project Bududa provides ample opportunity for volunteers to immerse themselves in a number of projects on-site. Whether you're teaching the HIV Post Test Club, hiking to a far away community in your gum boots to work with the Community Health Educators, or spending the afternoon taking vital signs in our health center, your efforts allow us to better serve the residents of Bududa.
All volunteers have the opportunity to participate in both the clinical and health education aspects of operations on-site, and activities can range from treating bed nets to prevent malaria to a refresher course for our Community Health Educators on how to take vital signs.
Over the course of your trip you'll receive an unfiltered experience in health care field work abroad, and learn about the tremendous impact that even one person can have. At our end, so as to maximize your contribution, we will tailor your experience based on current needs, your interests, training, and amount of time that you spend with us on-site at Project Bududa.
Wondering about the logistics of volunteering? Click below for more information on flights, activities, accommodations, transportation, trip cost, and more!
"I had an amazing experience as a volunteer! I loved helping at the clinic with vitals or sitting in on consults. I also got to go on many community outreaches."
- Elizabeth P.
