Development Minister sees how East London medical staff are helping people in Uganda

Posted on 01. Oct, 2009 by Erin in Latest News, Press Release

London, 10 November 2009

Development Minister sees how East London medical staff are helping people in Uganda

Minister for International Development, Mike Foster visited East London NHS Foundation Trust today to see how their ‘Link’ with Butabika hospital in Uganda is helping medical staff learn new skills that will improve basic medical care.

Uganda has suffered a long history of political violence. In Northern Uganda the 21 year insurgency by the Lord’s Resistance Army has lead to the displacement of up to 1.3 million people and has been characterised by extreme brutality, sexual violence against women, and the use of child soldiers.

The ‘Link’ between Butabika and East London NHS Foundation Trust was established in September 2004. Since then staff from the London hospital have visited Uganda and provided training, such as Occupational Therapy and Adolescent Mental Health Services, which is playing a vital role in rehabilitating victims of conflict.

Staff from East London have helped the Ugandan hospital to open a drug and alcohol ward and set up a day programme for children at the hospital, as well as sending over a much-appreciated shipment of toys.

Similarly, Ugandan medical staff have come over to the UK to increase their knowledge in a range of specialist areas. Staff in East London also benefit from the cultural insight brought by the Ugandan staff, which they put into practice when working with the diverse population of East London.

During the visit Mike Foster met with Dr Joyce Nalguva, who is one of the few adolescent psychiatrists in her country. She has been working alongside UK psychiatrists to learn how she can support the young people in her home community, especially those who are affected by war.

Minister for International Development, Mike Foster said:

“Uganda is one of the poorest countries in the world and has suffered a devastating level of violence in the past decade, particularly in the North. This had led to an inevitable level of trauma, including vast numbers of child soldiers who are now being reintegrated into society.

“The DFID funded link between the East London NHS Foundation Trust and Bitabika hospital in Uganda is making a real difference to those in Uganda who are suffering from mental health conditions by sharing the skills, training and experience needed for local medical staff to better serve their communications.”

Pia MacRae, from the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET) said:

“The East London – Butabika Link is a living example of what global health partnerships can achieve. Since the Link was established in 2004, the partnership has really expanded, building on the skills, hard work and commitment of British and Ugandan health professionals. Not only do the health practitioners at each end learn and develop, but the link has helped to strengthen further the provision of appropriate support to people with mental health needs in Uganda.”

Joyce Nalugya, a Ugandan psychiatrist benefiting from the Links scheme said:

“I decided to join the link because of my interest in children and adolescents’ mental health. Uganda is developing the service for children and adolescents and we are overwhelmed by the numbers of children affected by mental health issues due to war, HIV/AIDs and poverty. Despite all this we are limited by resources especially human resources.

The Link therefore is training doctors, nurses and psychiatric clinical officers in the management of children with mental health problems. My role is to provide the clinical support to the young people but also work with families and at the same time train medical students, Nurses, PCOs and post graduates in child and adolescent psychiatry.”

“I am so interested in working with schools especially special needs schools and organisations that work towards prevention of mental health problems. This experience is helping us learn from each other how best to deliver our services.”

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Note to the editor:

DFID is the Government Department that manages Britain’s aid to poor countries and works to get rid of extreme poverty. www.dfid.gov.uk

THET is an international health charity committed to improving health services in developing countries through strengthening long-term capacity. Based in the UK, we have over twenty years experience working with health institutions around the world, promoting action that is practical, sustainable and responsive.

For further information, including images from the event please contact Erin Miwa at erin@thet.org.