By KT Reporter
More than 700 residents of Ngoma Town Council in Nakaseke District have benefited from a free medical camp organized ahead of this year’s Cancer Run.
On Sunday, Rotarians across Uganda are participating in the 14th edition of the Cancer Run, aimed at raising awareness and mobilizing funds to construct and equip a cancer ward at Nsambya Hospital.
The main event is taking place at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, alongside similar activities in other major towns. In Wobulenzi Town, Luwero District, the Rotary Club of Wobulenzi mobilized over 200 runners for the cause.
On Saturday, ahead of the run, the Rotary Club of Wobulenzi also organized a free medical camp at St. Cyprian Health Center in Ngoma Town Council. The camp provided free medical services and cancer awareness to hundreds of residents.
Dr. James Kyeyune Mbabaali, President of the Rotary Club of Wobulenzi, said residents living in the cattle corridor of Nakaseke often fall through the cracks of healthcare services, which compelled Rotarians to extend medical support.
Kyeyune noted that many residents trek long distances to government health facilities but often fail to get treatment due to drug stockouts, leaving them with untreated illnesses.
At the camp, residents received treatment for malaria, sexually transmitted diseases, ulcers, hepatitis B, cough, and flu. They were also screened for cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and HIV/AIDS, as well as sensitized on cancer prevention and treatment. Walusimbi Mpanga, a resident of Ngoma Town Council, said the camp was a great relief, since they often find no drugs at government facilities. Kyasimire Dorcus, from Ngome Zone A, added that many cannot afford drugs from private clinics, forcing them to abandon treatment. She also narrated how expectant mothers face complications after walking long distances to seek antenatal services.
Professor Wilber Ahebwa, the NRM flagbearer for Nakaseke North, said the area lags behind in healthcare services, making the health camp timely. He noted that some residents die on the way to health centers due to long distances. Ahebwa joined residents in appealing for the construction and equipping of more health centers across sub-counties in the cattle corridor.
This year, Rotary Uganda seeks to raise four billion shillings for the final phase of constructing and equipping a cancer ward at Nsambya Hospital. The proceeds will go towards completing radiation bunkers to house linear accelerator machines vital for advanced cancer treatment.
In 2024, the Uganda Cancer Institute reported approximately 36,000 new cancer cases, with prostate, breast, and cervical cancers being the most common.
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