Hello, my name is Estel, Family and Community Medicine resident, and I am speaking in the name of all the team of Zion Medical Community Clinic, a clinic located in the mountain village of Bunabuyoka, close to Mbale, Uganda.

The Zion Medical Community Clinic was built by HELP International volunteers in the summer of 2012. The clinic was built in response to the need for accessible, quality healthcare in Bunabuyoka and the surrounding areas. This village has a population of 3.000 people, and the only way to access the community is by hiking a steep mountain. 

Construction of the health clinic was a joint effort between volunteers and the members of the village. People of Bunabuyoka now have access to healthcare professionals and are able to receive life-saving care. The clinic also provides health education to the community through a team of 20 trained community health educators.

Since we noticed a high prevalence of people with albinism in the region, we are working to provide the community and families information and awareness about the condition. 

Like in many other african countries there is a lot of stigma and misunderstanding regarding albinism, and sometimes people with albinism suffer social rejection, abandonment, isolation and even physical violence. 

 

They also have to face health problems. The lack of melanin in their skin leaves them unprotected from the sun and for that they are much more susceptible to skin cancer. Most of children with albinism in sub-Saharian Africa have some form of early-stage skin cancer and only 2% live beyond age 40. Many are not aware of the danger from the sun and how to protect themselves. They may also not have access to sunscreen. Also, many people with albinism are legally blind, as albinism affects the structure and pigmentation of the eye, causing visual impairment. 

For that reason, we started an awarness program to educate the local community about albinism, and to provide resources and support to families and people affected by the condition. 

Now we are starting this fundraising to help Zion Medical Community Clinic provide them sunscreen lotion, wide-brimmed sun hats, protective clothing and sunglasses. We will continue to provide education and to advocate for the rights of people with albinism. 

UPDATE MAY 2023: With the first donations we were able to provide sunscreen, glasses and protective clothing.

UPDATE JUNE 2023: we continued to provide sunscreen, and this time also material for the school.

In the name of the entire team, thank you for your help.