THE EXCITING MOMENT HAS ARRIVED
They came, they saw, they wondered as to how the people of Papoli village are able to get medical treatments at all; this was in May 2011.
The available medical facilities are a distance away, not having competent dedicated and well enumerated technical staff. Neither the equipment nor medical supplies are available to support the primary health facilities. This pathetic situation, coupled with an earlier local health research carried out by Papoli Community Development Foundation (PACODEF) staff and the field findings by Public Health Masters students from the University of South Florida, was presented to VPI. The findings resulted in a decision by VPI to seek funding to finance the second phase of the preplanned Papoli Medical Center.
This would involve teaming up with community members of Papoli village to construct a much needed Outpatient and Maternity Clinic. The construction started in October, 2012 and is now just about to open its doors to those in need. Papoli village, with a population of just over 5,012 has welcomed this new facility as a God sent gift to them; as has been evident in their voluntary participation in the construction. Community members provided all brick, sand, stones and other unskilled labor. The 5 acre piece of land for the clinic was donated by one of the elders, Mr. Difasi Yoga. This facility reinforces work already in progress at the all famous Robert Cooley Pediatric Clinic and Safe House, which has saved the lives of many children since its opening three years ago.
What a great gift this is to the people of our community. The lives of the people in our village have been completely transformed.
The maternity centre will provide pre and post natal care and treatment, vaccination against the killer diseases like Tuberculosis, Polio, Diphtheria, Measles, Whooping Cough and Tetanus.
Family planning clinics, counseling and testing for HIV will be top on the agenda of the clinic.
In our planning and construction work; we have had support and guidance from Tororo District Local Government (District Health Office and Works Department) and other none state actors in the field of health like, The AIDS Service Organization, Tororo Civil Society Network, Uganda National AIDS Organization and World Vision.
We have with great honor, love and gratitude named this facility after our great and generous couple- Jay and Janice Jester. The first years of operation, the Jay and Janice Jester Outpatient and Maternity clinic will provide the following services:
- Antenatal services
- Maternal health services
- Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMCT)
- General HIV testing and guidance/referrals
- Laboratory services
- Minor surgeries
- Out Patient Care
by: Emmanuel Ofumbi, Papoli Village Leader
