In 2021, under the leadership of Past President Peter Sewagudde, a groundbreaking initiative was launched at the Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) Katego Branch. The project focused on improving maternal and reproductive healthcare delivery through infrastructure development and community-driven awareness efforts.

Recognizing the pressing need for quality post-procedure care and reliable diagnostic services in a highly competitive area of Kampala, the project aimed to:

    1.    Upgrade the clinic’s Recovery Room and Ultrasound Scanning Room.
    2.    Foster youth-led community engagement to promote awareness of reproductive health services.

Project Objectives

The key objectives of this initiative were:
    •    To improve patient comfort and privacy through infrastructure enhancements.
    •    To empower youth volunteers to educate communities about reproductive health services.
    •    To promote essential services like family planning, antenatal care, and cervical cancer screening for women in the region.

Youth Engagement: Community Awareness through Peer Education

A vital aspect of this project was the involvement of youth volunteers who were trained under the guidance of RHU. These young leaders undertook peer-to-peer training programs and disseminated critical health information to local communities.

The focus areas of sensitization included:
    •    Family planning and access to contraceptive methods.
    •    Antenatal and postnatal care for safe motherhood.
    •    Cervical cancer screening and awareness about STIs.

This youth-driven approach played a pivotal role in building trust and creating a sense of ownership within the community, resulting in increased utilization of RHU services.

Infrastructure Upgrades: Enhancing Quality of Care

To ensure an improved healthcare environment, significant upgrades were made to the clinic’s infrastructure. These included:
    •    Recovery Room Improvements:
    •    Installation of recovery beds and mattresses for post-procedure care.
    •    Provision of curtains and blankets for enhanced patient privacy.
    •    Installation of drip stands and metallic cupboards for better equipment management.
    •    Ultrasound Scanning Room Enhancements:
    •    Supply of modern amenities, including a small TV screen, to improve the patient experience and diagnostic efficiency.

These enhancements transformed the facility into a safe, efficient, and comfortable environment for women seeking care.

Impact and Outcomes

The project delivered measurable improvements, including:
    •    A significant increase in the number of women accessing family planning and antenatal services.
    •    Improved patient recovery experience, with better comfort and care in the upgraded facilities.
    •    Greater awareness of cervical cancer screening and other vital reproductive health services among local communities.

By bridging critical gaps in infrastructure and knowledge, the RHU Katego Clinic project became a model for sustainable healthcare delivery in resource-limited settings.

Conclusion

The RHU Katego Clinic Recovery and Scanning Room Project of 2021 was a clear demonstration of what is possible when infrastructure development meets community empowerment. Through visionary leadership, youth-driven education, and targeted upgrades, the project succeeded in improving access to essential maternal and reproductive healthcare services.

This initiative not only strengthened healthcare delivery at RHU but also inspired similar approaches for community-based projects in the future.