August 2010

After three explosions ripped through a popular restaurant and Rugby Club in Uganda’s capital city during the final game of the World Cup – the Ministry of Health turned to AMREF for expert surgical support.

AMREF Canada’s Melanie Sharpe was in Uganda when the AMREF outreach team arrived. Read her field diary from Mulago National Hospital – where a special ward was set up for victims of the July 11 attacks.

Meet survivors, and find out how AMREF is healing more than just their physical wounds. View photos of AMREF’s response here.

 

Canadian Minister Peter Kent Visits AMREF's Work in Uganda
Canada's Minister of State of Foreign Affairs, Peter Kent visited one of Kampala's largest urban slums graciously meeting the community and asking how AMREF has impacted their lives.

"I've watched AMREF evolve from the days of the East Africa Flying Doctors out of Nairobi's Wilson Airport so it is wonderful to be able to drop in again to see a set of projects that are making a real difference," he said.

Minster Kent saw a water channel and latrines constructed by AMREF, an HIV/AIDS counseling and testing clinic, and our training centre for former commercial sex workers.

Learn more about Minister Kent’s visit and view photos here.

Urging Africa Union to Move from Declarations to Action
AMREF was recently at the 15th African Union Summit urging leaders to fund basic health services to save the lives of mothers and newborns in Africa.

The leaders' final draft agreement included a plan to strengthen health systems, train community health workers and waive user fees for pregnant women and children under five.

AMREF was very pleased but wants promises put into action as soon as possible. Learn more about AMREF’s work at the AU and our reaction to the leaders' plan to improve maternal health in Africa.