In Yumbe district, a health camp organized by the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) in collaboration with the Islamic University in Uganda and Yumbe district local government has successfully provided medical treatment to more than 2,000 individuals. The weeklong camp, which took place at Yumbe Regional Referral Hospital and Yumbe Health Centre IV, offered various services including surgery, eye clinics, treatment for different ailments, HIV testing, and counseling.
One of the beneficiaries, Zubeda Oleru, expressed her happiness as her 12-year-old son woke up after a successful surgery to reposition his undescended testicles. This condition had persisted since his birth, and the family had exhausted multiple avenues in search of a solution.
Health experts explained that undescended testicles can result from various factors such as premature birth, low birth weight, and certain health conditions in the baby or the mother during pregnancy. If left untreated, this condition can lead to infertility.
Another beneficiary, Ataibu Awuga, had suffered from a hernia for over five years but couldn’t afford the surgery. Thanks to the health camp, he received the operation he needed and looked forward to rejoining his family and resuming his daily activities.
Khemis Vuni, who had been blind for over a decade, had his eyesight restored at the camp. He expressed gratitude and appealed for support for him and others who received eyeglasses to improve their vision.
Dr. Mustafa Saka, the camp coordinator, reported that the turnout was overwhelming, with over 1,000 people seeking medical and surgical care. Yumbe’s senior health educator, Abassi Mansur, highlighted the importance of the camp in addressing health issues, especially in the absence of local specialists. Yumbe district officials also stressed the need for such health camps to continue serving the community.
Huda, the state minister for defense in charge of veteran affairs, praised OIC for its support, emphasizing the significant impact on the local population. OIC assistant secretary general Amb. Askar Mussinov emphasized the importance of health in societal development and pledged continued support for community development efforts.