Reaching the Unreachable: St. Francis CHC IV – HOSFA Brings Health Services Closer to Busuubizi Community

Access to quality health care is considered a luxury for many underserved communities and among the most vulnerable individuals. Based on this reality, St. Francis Community Health Centre IV – HOSFA organized and conducted a community health outreach on April 29, 2025, at Busuubizi Demonstration School in Mityana District. This outreach was part of the health centers mission to share hope through extending quality health services to hard-to-reach populations, particularly targeting non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and breast cancer.

The outreach brought together a multidisciplinary team including clinical officers, nurses, midwives, laboratory personnel, dentists, counselors, and Village Health Teams (VHTs), all working collaboratively to deliver both preventive and curative services to the community. Services were offered free of charge, and the event saw participation from residents of Busuubizi and neighboring areas.

A wide range of essential services were provided throughout the day. These included general outpatient consultations for adults and children, with diagnoses and treatment for illnesses such as malaria, respiratory infections, skin conditions, and gastrointestinal problems. Non-communicable disease screening was a major focus, with individuals undergoing blood pressure checks, random blood sugar testing, and clinical breast exams. Pregnant women received health education on maternal health.

Dental services were also offered, with dozens receiving dental examinations and urgent cases handled through immediate extractions. HIV counseling and testing, as well as TB screening, were available to all community members. Those with symptoms suggestive of TB had their sputum samples referred for further testing. Malaria testing using rapid diagnostic kits was conducted on-site, with immediate treatment provided for those who tested positive.

The outreach also included health education sessions that emphasized disease prevention, sanitation and hygiene, good nutrition, HIV prevention, and the proper use of mosquito nets. Children were assessed for nutritional status, and those found to be at risk received deworming treatment.

The turnout was remarkable, with more than 100 people receiving at least one health service. A total of 37 individuals were tested for malaria, 46 received dental check-ups, and 7 of them were provided with necessary extractions. Blood pressure was checked for 101 individuals, and 52 people underwent blood sugar testing. Those with abnormal results were immediately enrolled into the hypertension and diabetes clinic for follow-up care. Ninety-six people received essential medications, particularly for blood pressure and sugar control. HIV testing was provided to 67 individuals, and TB screenings were conducted for all, with 34 people identified for further laboratory investigation.

This outreach was not only a medical intervention but also a reaffirmation of HOSFA's commitment to provide health services to vulnerable populations. The enthusiasm and gratitude expressed by the residents of Busuubizi highlighted the importance of taking health services to the grassroots level.

St. Francis Community Health Centre IV – HOSFA remains dedicated to ensuring that every person, regardless of location or income level, has access to the health services they need. The success of this outreach underscores the vital role of community engagement and proactive service delivery in achieving equitable health care for all.