More than 200 residents have tested positive for hypertension, diabetes and other conditions at a two-day health camp in Kabale District, where organisers are targeting over 1,000 beneficiaries with free screening and treatment.
More than 200 people have tested positive for hypertension, diabetes and other health conditions at a free health camp organised by Sino Minerals Investment Company Limited at Buhara Health Centre III in Buhara Sub-county, Ndorwa East County, Kabale District.
The two-day camp, organised in partnership with the Kabale District Health Department, targets more than 1,000 beneficiaries and offers a range of screening, diagnostic and treatment services.
These include hypertension screening and management, antenatal care, Hepatitis B screening and immunisation, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) testing, pregnancy testing, dental care, eye care, ear, nose and throat services, cervical cancer screening and voluntary blood donation.
Assistant District Health Officer Paddy Mwesigye said more than 200 people had tested positive for non-communicable diseases, mainly hypertension and diabetes, while others had been diagnosed with ulcers.
He described the figures as alarming, attributing the prevalence partly to poor eating habits and ageing.
Mwesigye welcomed the initiative, saying it gives residents an opportunity to access essential medical services, undergo screening and receive treatment without travelling long distances.
“Some equipment needed to screen for certain diseases is unavailable at Buhara Health Centre III, making outreach programmes crucial in bridging healthcare access gaps,” Mwesigye said.
Deputy Operations Manager at Sino Minerals Investment Company Limited Brian Munanura said the initiative is part of the company's Corporate Social Responsibility programme aimed at improving community health and general well-being.
“Patients diagnosed during the camp will receive free medication, helping ease the financial burden of seeking medical care,” Munanura said.
The camp is expected to help more residents establish their health status, access treatment and receive guidance on preventing and managing common illnesses.