Mengo Hospital’s HIV/AIDS Clinic

Mengo Hospital’s HIV/AIDS Clinic began in 1989 with 69 registered patients. There are now over 13,000 HIV+ patients on the register of the clinic
and more than 450 are receiving antiretroviral (ARV) therapy.
With the completion of the new facilities, provided by a grant from the Mennonite Central Committee (US), the clinic is seeing over 200 patients a day.
This overwhelming demand for treatment presents a financial burden on the operating budget of the hospital, as these patients are often unable to pay fees for medical services.

The AIDS clinic provides medical diagnosis, care and treatment for those with HIV/AIDS, as well as counseling, spiritual support, education and home care. Through the clinic these patients have access to free ARV medication which is effective in reducing the impact of symptoms and prolonging life. As research, medications and lifestyle changes are becoming more effective in treating AIDS, quality of life is improved and prolonged for those who receive treatment. The availability of medications to treat opportunistic infections has made a significant impact on the quality of life for this group of Ugandans.

Medications as well as other programs are possible only through outside donations. Counselling in living "positively" with HIV/AIDS is a large part of the support provided by the staff of the clinic, and they carry out an AIDS education program in the local schools and communities to encourage individuals to come in to Mengo Hospital for early diagnosis and treatment. The Clinic also runs an active home care program for those too sick to travel to the clinic.

FOMH (C) is committed to providing continuing support for AIDS care at Mengo Hospital through funding and recruiting health care professionals to volunteer their time to assist the staff of the HIV/AIDS clinic.

Dental Clinic

After planning and raising funds for
6 years Mengo Hospital’s new dental clinic, filled with state-of-the-art dental equipment was opened on Friday, March 11, 2005 in a blaze of color, sunshine and formality. 

 

The new building was funded by U.S. Friends of Mengo Hospital and contains
10 dental surgeries, a large sterilization room, private and general waiting rooms,
a library, a large laboratory, staff rooms and a conference room for training of dentists and dental auxiliaries. The dental equipment was provided by Friends of Mengo Hospital (Canada) who, in conjunction with Dentech Corporation delivered the equipment at factory cost. 

 

A new X-Ray Machine

In 2006 a panorex machine was installed successfully and the Mengo dental team trained in its use.  The quality of the x-rays was outstanding, even by western standards; this level of diagnostics is extremely rare in Uganda. The improved dental services and revenue generating opportunities made possible by this high tech dental diagnostic equipment will provide benefit for many years and enhance the reputation of the clinic.

Ongoing support of dental services at Mengo Hospital includes continuing education in dental care and maintenance of equipment.