A mobile clinic initiative in Uganda’s Ibanda district is bringing vital immunization services to remote and hard-to-reach communities, targeting vulnerable groups in rural areas who often lack access to healthcare facilities.
The mobile clinic, which is operated by Uganda Wildlife Authority and supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), visits different communities across the district to provide routine immunization services to children, pregnant women, and other high-risk groups.
According to Dr. Catherine Namara, the district health officer, the initiative has been instrumental in increasing immunization coverage in the district, particularly among vulnerable groups. “We have seen a significant improvement in immunization coverage among children and pregnant women in the areas we have visited so far,” she said.
The mobile clinic is equipped with vaccines for diseases such as measles, polio, and tetanus, as well as other essential medical supplies, including syringes, gloves, and cold chain equipment for storing vaccines.
For many rural communities in Ibanda, the mobile clinic provides a lifeline for accessing essential health services that are otherwise difficult to come by. “I used to travel long distances to access health services for my children, but now the mobile clinic comes to our village, making it easier for us,” said Juliet Nansamba, a resident of Kyarushesha village.
The initiative has received widespread support from community leaders and local authorities, who see it as a critical tool in improving health outcomes in the district. “The mobile clinic is a game-changer in our community. It has helped to reduce the burden of disease, especially among vulnerable groups,” said Jackson Mwebesa, the district chairman.
The success of the mobile clinic initiative in Ibanda has spurred calls for similar programs to be rolled out across other districts in Uganda, particularly those with high levels of poverty and limited access to healthcare services.
With the support of the WHO and other partners, the district health department is now working to expand the mobile clinic program and reach even more communities in need.