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Healing Bodies and
Souls in Uganda
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.”
Psalm 103:2-3
The Need for Health Care
Statistics and Facts
- Population Of Uganda in 2024 – 48,646,601
- 48% of the population are under the age of 14 years of age.
- Leading Causes of death in children:
- Malaria
- Diarrhea
- Pneumonia
- Malnutrition (children under the age of five)
While the global under the age of five mortally rate fell to 37 deaths per 1000 live births in 2020, children in sub-Saharan (including Uganda) continue to have the highest rates of mortality in the world at 74 deaths per 1000 live births. Fourteen times higher than the risk for children in Europe and North America. World Health Organization 2022
Health Implications
The healthcare crisis in Uganda leads to widespread suffering, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those living in poverty. Preventable diseases like diarrhea, respiratory infections, and malnutrition are leading causes of death, especially among children under five. Additionally, the lack of healthcare facilities in rural areas forces many to travel long distances for treatment, often leading to delayed care and worsening health outcomes. This healthcare gap not only affects physical health but also hinders economic development and educational opportunities.
Uganda Tree of Life's Medical Ministry Efforts
UTOL’s Medical Ministry aids in reducing the healthcare challenges in Uganda through a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach:
Pastor Wilson's Feeding Program
The goal of the program is to identify and provide essential food supplements to children diagnosed with malnutrition. All children are initially examined and treated for all co-morbidities, i.e. malaria, dysentery, diarrhea, anemia, pneumonia, and parasites. The family receives ongoing education on nutrition, hygiene, and the importance of clean water and malaria prevention. The child receives weekly visits from a Wilson Feeding Program caregiver,
In 2024, our feeding program received the approval from the Uganda Government to receive the ready to use therapeutic food RUTF.
Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food - RUTF
What is RUTF?
- RUTF is ready-to-use therapeutic food. It’s an energy dense, micronutrient paste made using peanuts, sugar, milk powder, oil, vitamins and minerals that has helped treat millions of children threatened by severe wasting – the most dangerous form of malnutrition. Globally, 1 in 5 deaths among children under age 5 is attributed to severe wasting, making it one of the top threats to child survival.
Why is RUTF a ‘wonder food’?
- RUTF comes in a one-dose foil sachet, has a shelf life of two years and doesn’t require refrigeration, even after opening. It doesn’t require preparation and doesn’t need to be mixed with water, reducing the risk of children consuming contaminated water. It is safe and easy to use and can be eaten straight from the sachet. RUTF revolutionized the treatment of uncomplicated forms of severe wasting among children by allowing treatment to take place at home rather than in hospitals. And best of all, children like it!
Village Health Workers Program
The Village Health Workers are local community volunteers who have received special training for their heath work. The network of VHW’s is an important component for providing health care at the village level. They link the community health centers with the villages. They live in the villages where they work and provide simple health care and counselling to the people. The program is directed at diagnosing and treating children from birth through the age of 13 years of age. UTOL has been blessed with the generous by-annual contribution from Child First Meds which purchases all the medical supplies necessary to diagnosis and treat the children. The services given by the VHW’s are very important not only for the villagers but also for the government health system, especially in reaching the poor and those living in remote areas with limited access to quality medical care. The vital health ministry continues to provide over 30,000 treatments/year since it’s inception in 2010.
Village Health Workers Program
The Village Health Workers are local community volunteers who have received special training for their heath work. The network of VHW’s is an important component for providing health care at the village level. They link the community health centers with the villages. They live in the villages where they work and provide simple health care and counselling to the people. The program is directed at diagnosing and treating children from birth through the age of 13 years of age. UTOL has been blessed with the generous by-annual contribution from Child First Meds which purchases all the medical supplies necessary to diagnosis and treat the children. The services given by the VHW’s are very important not only for the villagers but also for the government health system, especially in reaching the poor and those living in remote areas with limited access to quality medical care. The vital health ministry continues to provide over 30,000 treatments/year since it’s inception in 2010.
Community Outreach Initiatives
Since 2009, the ministry has provided outreach clinics which are dedicated to providing healthcare services to all individuals no matter the age in remote areas. During these one-day clinics, our healthcare providers can identify issues which are affecting the health of the villagers. Many times, UTOL’s water ministry will join forces with the healthcare team to provide clean water through the drilling of water wells.
Through these targeted solutions, UTOLM’s Health Ministry not only addresses immediate health needs but also lays the foundation for long-term health improvements and spiritual growth within the communities we serve.
