About UNC Project-Uganda

In 2004, a group of UNC physicians established the Amal Murarka International Pediatric Health Foundation in memory of their colleague, Dr. Amal Murarka, who died unexpectedly in 2003. The foundation sent a medical team to Kampala to establish the country's first pediatric intensive care unit at Mulago Hospital, Makerere University, where Dr. Murarka had previously conducted research. Subsequent work in 2007 and 2008 focused on pediatric cardiac surgery. The foundation not only built a cardiac ICU, but also performed a total of 21 life-saving pediatric cardiac surgeries.

In 2008 the foundation partnered with the Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases to establish UNC Project-Uganda.

Mission

The UNC Project-Uganda was established to support sustainable delivery of compassionate and competent health care to infants, children, and adolescents in Uganda; to improve the medical knowledge of the Ugandan health care workforce through in-country training and a physician exchange program; and to provide advanced medical equipment, medications, and services necessary for the delivery of compassionate and competent pediatric care in Uganda.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Glad to be back!




Well it's Friday and all the surgeries have gone well. It's been a joy to watch these children transition from very sick children, to awaken to a better chance at living life to the fullest. There are smiles given that just make your heart melt. At times the communication lines are hindered because of language barriers but smiles and hugs say so much to them. I may not be able to speak their language but I can communicate and a better meaningful way. Even though this is my third trip here, I'm always taken back by their appreciation and gratefulness. Things that we define as a hard or difficult way of life for us, is mere richness to them. I'm reminded that I need to thank God for all that he has blessed me with. Whether if it's using my talents or skills to bless others, I dare not waste what has been given to me to help others in need. The staff here at Mulago Hospital are wonderful people who also are thankful for our help. They have grown so much in the past 3 years and are blossoming into confident health care givers. They can help their country and a way that is meaningful to them. For those that read this entry, make sure that giving to others becomes a way of life for you and just know that the return of doing so will bless your life as well.

Lupe Haynes Respiratory Therapist




2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you(and others) for the posts. I especially enjoyed your insights, Lupe, and the reminder to be always thankful and that in the giving we are the ones who are blessed. I pray for continued success and keep the updates and pics coming. It is great to see all the smiles and put a face to the names of those involved...ck

Traci said...

I have been thinking about you all week and wondering how it was going. What you said is so true and so eloquently written. Keep up the good work and attempt to get rest and come back healthy! I'll buy you a coffee when you get back because it sounds like their coffee probably isn't up to you liking :)
Take care and tell everyone hello-
Traci