Rotary Uganda, in partnership with Centenary Bank and MTN Uganda, has launched this year’s Rotary Family Health Days (RFHDs), scheduled for 29 th April- 1 st May 2016, under the theme ‘Good Health, Happy Families.’
Speaking at the launch, Centenary Bank Managing Director, Fabian Kasi said: “We chose to support activities related to cancer because we know it is a silent killer yet whose early detection can protect life. Through various activities, we have made millions of people aware of this scourge and knowledgeable on how to prevent it, and has seen some women get the desired treatment early”.
Cervical cancer is one of the leading killer diseases in Uganda with about 3,915 new cases registered every year, according to the 2015 Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Related Diseases Report.
“This year we have set aside 240M to ‘Bridging the Cancer gap’ activities of which Shs. 30m will go towards the purchase of cancer screening kits to be used for the Rotary family health days, District conference and the cancer run,” Fabian said.
During the Rotary Family Health Days, 67 Rotary clubs spread across the country will set up medical camps at 80 strategic sites to offer free cancer screen and medical treatment to communities. The main event will be held at Butagaya, along Kamuli road in Jinja.
These medical sites/camps will offer both specialized and general services in the areas of Cancer screening (cervical, breast, and prostate); Child immunization and nutrition; Family planning and maternal health; HIV/AIDs counseling and testing; Dental services (mainly examination and extraction); Optical services; Malaria testing and treatment; Safe male circumcision; Health education and Blood donation. These services will be conducted by a team of medical professionals from Health Centre around the country.