Like education, health care is a prime focus of Lift Up Uganda. Our goal is and has been to improve the primary and emergency medical care in the Akonyibedo Village and the surrounding communities of Gulu. The St. Nektarios Health Center was built to address these needs. Lift Up Uganda partnered with the St Philip the Apostle Orthodox Church in Florida. Since walking is the primary mode of transportation for most Ugandans living in this area, having accessible medical care near their villages is essential and lifesaving.
St. Nektarios Health Center
The St. Nektarios Health Center is a certified level III facility, which means it can provide more advanced care and maternity services. The Health Center provides all the people in the Akonyibedo Village and surrounding areas with primary care, emergency care, and maternity care. Since the Center is a certified hospital it acts as both an outpatient and inpatient facility which is open seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day.
History of the Health Center
Fr. George committed his ideas to written plans and soon after Dr. Peter purchased four acres of land for the project.
Fr. Joseph of St. Philip Apostle Orthodox Church in Florida joined the team and he and Sue became a fundraising juggernaut.
Fr. Joseph and his Parish provided the funds for construction and Sue and her Parish provided the funds for medical supplies, equipment furniture, and all other materials needed for day-to-day operations.
Several trips to Uganda were made to meet with Fr. George to finalize the plans, and work with the government officials, contractors, land surveyors, etc.
Concy, one of our loyal translators was supported through Nursing School to become the Health Center's first nurse and Simon Peter went to Laboratory Technician School.
The local people had jobs building the clinic which was prepared with electrical lines and sinks for the future time that water and solar power could be added.
The Groundbreaking on December 19, 2012, was a huge event with Metropolitan Jonah offering prayers and the first shovel of first in the field where the clinic would be built.
St. Nektarios was chosen as the name as there was already a St. Nektarios Orthodox Church and a St. Nektarios Nursery School in the Akonyibedo Village.
Groundbreaking
The St. Nektarios Health Center was destined to be built and it was.
The grand opening on January 12, 2014, was a huge event with over 1,000 people and many Orthodox Clergy from all over Uganda in attendance. After Orthros and Divine Liturgy led by Metropolitan Jonah in a huge tent outdoors, the Health Center was officially opened and toured by all. There were many speeches, dancing, singing, and eating local food well into the night. The next day the Health Center opened for business with Concy (our nurse) and Simon Peter (our lab tech).
In July 2015, soon after opening the Health Center, a water well was installed to offer clean water to the clinic and the entire village.
The Ministry of Health guided us through their certification process and by the end of its first year, the St. Nektarios Health Center was certified. That required a doctor, so a local Clinical Offer was hired. A receptionist who also did the bookkeeping was hired as well as a nursing assistant who ran the pharmacy and provided assistance in the clinic as needed.
The staff worked hard to grow the clinic and began doing some outreach clinics to surrounding villages.
Next came solar power in March 2016, followed by a solar refrigerator, and most importantly a maternity wing.
An ultrasound machine was purchased in 2018, and training was provided by the radiologist at the Gulu Hospital. A baby warmer was also purchased.
In 2020, a four-plex staff headquarters was built to accommodate two doctors and two nurse-midwives. Now, care is available twenty-fours hours a day with staff on site.
Wifi has been added to allow for communication and research.
Sue raised funds for a motorcycle ambulance so faster transportation to the Health Center or a hospital for advanced care was available. Later, fundraising efforts were made to purchase and refurbish a van to be certified as a vehicle ambulance.
The St. Nektarios Health Center relies on donations to continue to provide services and medication to its patients. Although, we hoped to create a self-sufficient Health Center, the mission to not turn anyone away means that donations will always be a part of its existence.
To continue to support the Health Center's efforts, please consider donating.
The St. Nektarios Health Center is unique in that it was not built by the government, the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC), the International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), or a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), but through the love of Americans.
The Health Center will continue to grow and thrive.
Maternity Ward
The maternity ward at the St. Nektarios Health Center welcomes babies into the world.
Ambulance
Before there was an ambulance, the Health Center used a motorcycle to transport patients. Supporters came together to fundraise for a motorcycle ambulance for the St. Nektarios Health Center. Unfortunately, the ambulance manufacturer closed permanently in early 2021. Fulfilling the request and dream of Fr. George, the Health Center staff, and the community, LUU was able to purchase a van. This van was converted to an ambulance and equipped with materials needed to transport patients.
This ambulance:
- Will provide immediate service for Mothers and Babies who develop unexpected complications during delivery to be transferred to Gulu hospitals.
- Will make emergent medical transport for any patients needing hospitalization and advanced care.
- Will provide the ability to provide transportation to and from the St Nektarios Health Center for patients from surrounding villages.
- Has met all Ministry of Health requirements and licensure
Without your continued support, this ambulance would not have been possible.
Village Outreach
Even with a full-service Health Center, outreach to remote villages is still done on a regular basis.
Immunization Program
The midwives at the St. Nektarios Health Center have implemented an immunization program.
Prenatal Classes
Helping Babies Breathe, Essential Care for All Babies, and Helping Mother's Survive Classes
The St. Nektarios Health Center midwives provide a variety of educational opportunities to mothers. Class offerings include topics that focus on infant breathing, caring for all babies, and educating mothers on surviving pregnancy and birth.
Lift Up Uganda will continue to support and expand its commitment to health care. Promoting health care prevents illnesses and encourages wellness, helping communities thrive. To support the healthcare efforts of Lift Up Uganda, see how you can give.