Academics
In contrast to all the packed-in
schedules that we followed together, our group was given two free days, one to
relax and spend leisure time together and the other to conduct independent
research in our own theme groups. This was a great experience for a lot us, as
it was the first time where we were forced to use public transportation (taxis
that were mini-vans) to get around places.
On the first free day, many of us went to church in the morning and then
to the recreational center for a great swimming session. Some of us went to the spa and received
pedicures and massages to receive the long-awaited rejuvenating moment for all
the fatigue that had accumulated in the past two weeks. For dinner, many of us
found our way to the “most American restaurant”- Mish Mash – to grab a burger
or grilled chicken in the midst of the amazing live music the restaurant had.
On the second day, all of us split into our theme groups and conducted
independent research. Pediatric HIV group encountered a group of teenagers who
sang together to sensitize the community to bring down the stigma of HIV, and
for sure, it was an inspiring experience they shared with the group. The
Orphans and Vulnerable Children group traveled 140km to get to the orphanage
sponsored by Vision for Africa, only to be shocked by the “palace” that these
orphans lived in, not to mention the jungle gym and the nice clinic they had.
It was very encouraging to hear that many orphans are in good hands and are
being helped to be molded into sociable adults.
On Monday, January 21st
we continued gathering information for our independent study. We first spoke to
a specialist in the field of Child and Maternal Public Health, of Makerere
University. She discussed many of the interrelated factors that are currently impeding
the treatment of childhood illnesses. More specifically, she described the poor
attitude of health workers, denial of research, lack of accountability and
quality control, desensitization, and the improper allocation of health sector
funds. Furthermore she stated that a major problem was the vertical approach to
health care. An example of a vertical approach occurs when donors want to give
all their money to treat just one illness; despite their benevolent intentions,
donors are not improving Uganda’s health sector in a broad sense. She stated
that Uganda could solve this problem by following a horizontal approach
instead. For instance, Uganda could put their donor funds towards improving the
general health care package and making certain that all Ugandans have access
this packed, rather towards improving the state of just one disease. Ultimately
she suggested that a lack of agreement over which healthcare approach to
implement was the underlying interference to her solution.
Later on we spoke to a
pharmaceutical technician and dispenser at the Mulago Private Patient Pharmacy.
Moses revealed many interferences that exist in the healthcare sector. He
stated that there is too much bureaucracy and health has become political. He
also shared his opinion on the Ministry of Health, an institution he believes
is corrupt. He also showed us that there is frustration at all levels of the
health system. Patients become frustrated with him when medicine is out of
stock. (Three times throughout our interview with him, patients were sent away
to a different pharmacy because the Private Patient Pharmacy no longer had a
particular medication.) His boss becomes frustrated when he asks for the funds
to order more of these fast-moving drugs. Finally he himself becomes frustrated
because he is the middleman; his patients attack him and his boss neither
appreciates nor understands him. Despite all this frustration, people have generally
remained complacent; they give up and accept the system as what it is. No one
is channeling this frustration towards effecting positive change. There is a
general lack of faith and inspiration. It seems that many of the people we have
interview throughout this process are merely waiting for a savior, someone who
can get rid of the old system and start from scratch.
Tuesday we figured out the
direction for our final project and created our presentation. We chose to
emphasize seven of the interviews we conducted at either Rakai or Kampala. For
each interview, we focused on a healthcare problem, a possible solution and an interfering
factor that is preventing the problem from being solved.
Reflection
Before
our reflection session, we were able to listen to a fascinating story about
Daniela and her friend Ibra of how they got into a dangerous situation with
gangster kids and were able to get away unharmed, wallets untouched and funny
as it sounds, escorted by these gangsters back to their hotel. Simply by
horsing around with the kids, Daniela and her friend Ibra were able to change
the atmosphere that diffused the situation to an enjoyable atmosphere from a
stern one. After all, “Kids are kids and just kids.” Realizing the power of
one’s reaction that can completely change the situation from a dangerous one to
an enjoyable situation truly fascinated us.
On our free
day, many of us went to a spa and others went to a recreational swimming pool.
While reflecting on the day later on, we discovered that some of us were
uncomfortable going to the expensive spa and fancy restaurant. Although group
members had different opinions, we all agreed that it is better to open up
about our personal comfort levels so that compromises can be made and our time
can be spent together. One colleague observed that one’s ability to compromise
reflects how much one is willing to find comfort in places outside one’s
comfort zone.
An
important question asked in the reflection session was what people wanted to
get out of the last five days of our trip. This question ushered in a premature
goodbye atmosphere, causing members to make rosy comments and concluding remarks
about the trip. The most appropriate phrase to describe our expectations may
just be “carpe diem,” to spend and live each day like it is our last, so that
we will have no regrets when leaving Uganda, with everlasting friendships and
unforgettable memories to cherish forever.
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