In January of this year, I had the opportunity to travel to Kiwoko Hospital Uganda to undertake 6 weeks of medical elective. After travelling to the hospital with other medical students from the UK, we were warmly welcomed by the hospital staff, particularly Stephen, and the ladies who served in the guest house, Joanna and Rose. Their hospitality made me feel immediately at ease in a new setting.

Each day at Kiwoko began with a time of devotion in the hospital chapel, which was well-attended by both hospital staff and nursing students. These morning gatherings provided great encouragement and allowed us to feel part of the community during our time away from home. I was also invited by our friend Becky, one of the anaesthetists at the hospital, to join her in leading worship every Wednesday morning in the chapel. This opportunity to serve alongside local musicians was a great blessing to us and provided opportunity to build friendships.

In terms of my medical learning, I primarily focused my time on the maternity ward, where I was conducting a research project on haemorrhage following Caesarean sections. My days were spent attending outpatient clinics with the obstetrician and participating in ward rounds, where I observed and assisted in a variety of cases. A portion of my time was also dedicated to attending Caesarean sections in the newly opened theatre, where I had the chance to both assist and observe the delivery of babies. This was an invaluable learning experience, and I am grateful for the mentorship provided by Dr. Vera, who not only involved me in the complexities of her practice but also offered guidance on the research project I was undertaking.

In order to gather the data I needed for my project, I spent a great deal of time reviewing patient records from the maternity wards. As all patient files are paper records, this quickly became very time consuming. While reviewing these records and spending time in the maternity ward and also visiting other areas of the hospital, I was able to understand the limitations and realities of healthcare in a rural setting. I was struck by the level of maternal and neonatal mortality, which was significantly higher than what I had seen in the UK. Similarly, the short amount of time I spent on the paediatric ward was eye-opening, as I saw firsthand the stark contrast in patient outcomes compared to what I would expect back home.

One of the greatest blessings of my time in Uganda was the opportunity to meet and live with fellow medical students from across the UK, as well as Alice, a nurse from Germany. Evenings were often spent wandering into the nearby village, cooking meals together, and sharing our experiences of the day. These friendships not only made the experience more enjoyable but also enriched our learning, as we were able to share insights, discuss cases, and support one another through the challenges we faced.

Our learning experiences were further enhanced by the mentorship of Dr. James, our supervisor, who regularly quizzed us as we presented cases and led ward teaching sessions. These interactions were invaluable in expanding our medical knowledge and understanding of healthcare in a resource-limited setting. Additionally, the daily doctors’ meetings, where we discussed morbidity and mortality cases, were an insightful experience. Being able to contribute to the conversations and gain perspective on how these difficult cases were handled in Uganda broadened my understanding of medical practice in a global context.

Beyond the hospital, our team became involved in various community outreach initiatives. One particularly memorable experience was when we were invited to join the prison ministry team one Sunday to visit a nearby prison. We were able to participate in delivering a worship service for the inmates, and I was deeply moved by the faith professed for the first time by several of the men that day. It was a powerful reminder that God is at work in the most unlikely of places.

During our time in Uganda, we were able to experience the beauty and culture of the country. On the weekends, we took the opportunity to explore some of Uganda's most iconic sights. We travelled to Jinja to visit the source of the River Nile and to Murchison Falls National Park, where we marveled at the stunning landscapes and wildlife. These excursions provided a welcome break from our hospital days and allowed us to appreciate Uganda’s natural heritage.

During our time at Kiwoko, we also became aware of an Ebola outbreak in the nearby capital city of Kampala. This news brought a wave of anxiety, not just for us but for the hospital staff and patients. Measures were quickly implemented to screen all incoming patients for symptoms, and the situation served as a reminder of the ongoing health challenges faced by the country.

Please pray for Kiwoko Hospital and all those who serve there, including Stephen, Linda, and the Park family, as they continue to carry out their vital work in this rural community. Please also pray for the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Uganda, that numbers would remain low and that the outbreak would not reach Kiwoko. Lastly, please pray for the patients of Kiwoko. Despite care costs being subsidised, many patients still remain unable to pay for the investigations and treatment that they desperately need, and as a result, many go without. We continue to pray that God will sustain the hospital and its staff so that patients in this rural community can receive this necessary care.