Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) under its mother Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs has on Saturday participated again in a yearly Communicable Diseases Awareness Charitable Walk objectively to improve the quality of life and reduce the rate of early mortality among people afflicted by Non-Communicable Diseases[NCDs].
The charity run structured by the Sanctuary Medical Foundation [SMF] in partnership with the Office of the Mayor Nakawa Division was held purposely to target all staff, students and other community members targeting over 4000 people.
The Charity walk was flagged off by the Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Health Dr.Diana Atwine at Kyambogo University Sports Grounds [East End Pitch]. The guest walker who was also the chief guest Dr. Diana Atwine thanked and welcomed everyone for having honored the invitation of Sanctuary Medical Foundation [SMF].
She further thanked the team of SMF for the noble cause of creating awareness on Communicable Diseases and tremendous contribution to humanity saying that many times we are driven by profits and money but for one to set time and give such services continuously not for show off but driven by conviction and the inner drive to contribute to the society, is a wonderful gesture. It means SMF is investing in the lives of their people, their children and their relatives.
“Its more of a blessing to give than to receive ” she noted.
She commended SMF for their great contribution towards humanity saying they are on the right track also assured the team of all the support they may need and that they shouldn’t hesitate to go to Ministry of Health.
“Disease prevention is the center of our talk as a Ministry because sometimes we are not aware of how much expensive Communicable Diseases are to treat for instance, Hepetisis, Diabetes, Cancer etc” she added. Dr Diana called upon everyone to go for screening and get to know there status to save the time we lose when we are sick and the resources we spend in order to have a productive society than a non productive society.
In her speech she thanked UPDF for exhibiting the spirit of togetherness, commending that UPDF has always positively responded to the cry of wanaichi as a professional, Peoples’ Army; “You have been inward looking and collectively submitted to the civilian authority , we are proud of you” Hon Dr.Diana Atwine said.
In his remarks the board Chairperson of Sanctuary Medical Foundation Dr. Patrick Kaliika said the walk aimed at creating a long lasting special awareness of the rising cases of Non Communicable Diseases patients and the widening poverty margin limiting access to treatment and that a team of specialist doctors have come together with the aim of fighting NCDs by creating a safe haven for community’s most vulnerable victims. Their aim is to reduce pre-mature mortality from non-communicable diseases; through prevention and treatment and promotion of a healthy lifestyle in Uganda.
He further said the Charity walk focused on creating a long lasting special relationship with the people and ti ensure that people keep physically fit to avoid the danger from Non Communicable Diseases like High Blood Pressure and Diabetes. He called up in the community to visit Kyambogo Univeristy Sports Ground today for screening and medical awareness.
The Executive Director of Cancer Institute Dr.Jackson Orem called upon the community to organize and work together with the government to fight illnesses like the Non Communicable Diseases because they are very complicated to cure. He applauded the Sanctuary Medical Foundation team for the great innovation awareness towards the diseases that kill silently without retreat and most especially selecting beginning with Kyambogo University. He argued everyone to visit the Cancer Stale for medical screening as part of the activity today.
He lauded UPDF for having been part of charity walk and medical activities like medical screening that such landmark engagements with the population truly reflect UPDF as a pro-people army, ready to work with the population in ensuring peace and stability so that prosperity can become evident. Dr.Jackson also noted that keeping physically fit is the way to go in shaking off some diseases.
The 3.34km marathon route that stretched up to Banda stage, attracted participants from UPDF, Kyambogo University Leadership, local residents, school children, and those from the Corporate Class.
The UPDF medical team under the leadership of the Medical Officer Capt Dr.Patrick Kyambade from the General Military Hospital (GMH) composed of Clinical Officers, Nursing Officers Laboratory technicians are offering free medical services like Diabetis screening, screening for blood pressure and giving cancer information.
The event ended with Dr. Atwine giving out Glucometers machines to patients diagnosed with diabetes. Over 400 Glucometer machines were given out.
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