By Our Reporter
AIDO Network, a not-for-profit organization using culture as a tool for unity, development and social cohesion, has started a fundraising campaign to enable them bring donated medical equipment to Uganda. The campaign is targeting to raise USD 30,000 (about UGX 100 Million) which is needed to cater for logistical support and transportation of the equipment.
The medical equipment, which is being brought in from the US in partnership with Project C.U.R.E, a humanitarian relief organization that works all over the globe delivering donated medical equipment, instruments and supplies, will benefit several hospitals in the Teso sub-region, starting with Soroti Regional Referral Hospital.
According to Steven Opeitum, the Board Chairman AIDO Network Uganda, the fundraising campaign has so far raised USD 9,000.
“We are going to get equipment worth USD 350,000. That’s all the donors can do. But when it comes to transportation and logistics in the US, we need USD 30,000 to be raised by us here.” Steven Opeitum told media on Thursday.
“We have started our fundraising outside Uganda, and so far, we have raised USD 9,000. However, part of it was used for the coming of the Project Cure field assessment team from the US.” He added.
Commenting about the donation, First Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Rebecca Kadaga said that, “Government can come in by way of taxes and they have informed me that the Ministry of Health is willing to support them on issues of taxation to ensure the items are brought to Uganda.”
Ms. Lilli LeBeau, the Field Assessment Manager of Project C.U.R.E, who was in the country to conduct a needs assessment survey, revealed that the hospitals have the capacity to absorb the medical equipment that is being donated, and Project C.U.R.E will begin work on planning and completing the logistics of donating these items once the funds to meet these costs are available.
“I think my findings during my needs assessment were great and particularly I think the capacity of each facility is excellent. They have the capacity to absorb much more general and technical equipment than they currently have access to. So, right now all they are missing is equipment and instruments and the consumables themselves.” Ms. Lilli LeBeau noted.
Ms. Lilli LeBeau inspected five different medical facilities including Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, two other general hospitals and two health centers IV’s.
The equipment that is expected to be donated is a mixture of general hospital equipment, diagnostic equipment, instruments and consumables, although each consignment is uniquely fitted to the unique needs of the specific facility each cargo container is being delivered to.
“The delivery of these items is dependent on the fundraising. Once fundraising is in, then we can mobilize immediately and start working through the process to help with delivery of the donations.” Ms. LeBeau concluded.
