Dr. Danielle Perreault, a family and emergency physician with extensive international experience in humanitarian emergency contexts is the project lead for this CACHA project.  

In March and May 2024, Dr. Perreault visited the College of Nursing and Midwifery in Kaabong District, located in the Karamojong region of northeastern Uganda. This institution is the only government-funded nursing school in the region, serving a population of 360,000. With 566 students enrolled in a two-and-a-half-year program, the college is a critical resource for training healthcare professionals in a district with extreme socioeconomic challenges. The college not only prepares healthcare workers for regional hospitals and clinics but also enables local ethnic groups to access education and improve health outcomes within their communities.

During her visits, Dr. Perreault engaged in detailed discussions with the school’s administration, staff, and students, as well as with Doctors with Africa, a prominent Italian NGO specializing in healthcare and operating in Kaabong. These discussions led to the identification of the following challenges.

1. Insufficient Educational Tools:

• The college’s simulation lab is severely under-equipped, limiting students’ ability to practice critical techniques such as postpartum care and emergency procedures.

2. Inadequate Infrastructure:

• A lack of classrooms has forced the college to rely on temporary metal-sheet structures and a canvas tent, which do not provide an optimal learning environment. 

3. Limited Technical Support:

• Although books and computers have been donated, unreliable electricity and Internet access hinder the use of modern teaching resources and telemedicine opportunities.

4. Shortage of Teaching Staff:

• A lack of qualified teachers has led to large class sizes and reduced supervision, limiting the quality of education.

The proposed project addresses these challenges in phases, prioritizing immediate needs while laying the groundwork for long-term improvements.

Immediate Priorities (Phase 1):

1. Acquisition of Educational Tools:

• Procure training mannequins, simulation materials, surgical tools (e.g., needle drivers, speculums), and other essential medical equipment to enhance practical learning for students. This will also include basic equipment for Kaabong Hospital to support student internships.

2. Temporary Classrooms:

• Acquire and install two large canvas tents (14×10 meters) to serve as temporary classrooms, providing a more stable learning environment while permanent solutions are developed.

3. Internet Access:

• Improve communication and access to modern educational resources by providing reliable Internet service across the campus.

Future Goals (Phase 2):

1. Permanent Infrastructure:

• Construct permanent classrooms and dormitories to offer a safe and stable learning environment for students, ensuring long-term sustainability.

2. Sustainable Energy Sources:

• Install solar panels to provide stable electricity for classrooms, labs, and Internet access. 

For more information and partnership opportunities, contact direct inquiries to [email protected]