Access to care
Why it matters.
Locked Out of Life-Saving Care, the silent Health Crisis
In Uganda, access to healthcare remains a significant challenge for large portions of the population. The healthcare infrastructure is unevenly distributed, with most facilities concentrated in urban areas, leaving rural communities underserved. This geographic disparity is compounded by widespread poverty, which limits individuals' ability to afford care even when it is available. Cultural differences and a lack of culturally sensitive care further alienate marginalized groups, leading to a healthcare system that often fails to meet the needs of its most vulnerable populations. As a result, preventable illnesses, maternal and infant mortality, and untreated chronic conditions are alarmingly high in these communities.
The consequences of these disparities extend beyond individual health outcomes, affecting the broader social and economic fabric of the country. As families are forced to deal with the long-term effects of untreated illnesses, they often fall deeper into poverty, unable to work or support themselves. This cycle of poor health and poverty hinders the country’s economic growth, exacerbating inequality and slowing development. In the long run, the lack of equitable access to healthcare threatens to undermine Uganda's progress toward achieving universal health coverage and meeting its sustainable development goals, ultimately limiting the nation’s potential for a healthy and productive future.
While we strive,
In Uganda, the infant mortality rate stands at 43 deaths per 1,000 live births as of 2019, a stark indicator of the challenges faced by newborns and their families. This figure highlights the urgent need for improved maternal and neonatal care, especially in underserved regions where access to medical facilities is limited.
Maternal health is similarly concerning, with a maternal mortality rate of 336 deaths per 100,000 live births reported in 2019. This high rate reflects the significant barriers to receiving timely and effective care during pregnancy and childbirth, which disproportionately affects women in rural and impoverished areas.
Moreover, only 28% of Ugandans have access to basic healthcare services. This glaring statistic underscores the widespread disparities in healthcare availability, leaving the majority of the population without essential medical support and exacerbating health inequalities across the country.
Resources
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The Uganda Clinical Guidelines: Updated 2023
The Uganda Clinical Guidelines (UCG) evolved from the National Standard Treatment Guidelines 1993, which were the first of the type published in Uganda.
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Guidelines for ambulance presentations In the Emergency Department
These guidelines provide direction for hospital and ambulance staff on the process for reception and handover of patients arriving by ambulance in RHU’s metropolitan public hospital emergency departments.
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Resource Brief: Uganda National Health Policy 2010/11
Title: Uganda National Health Policy 2010/11Source: Ministry of Health, Uganda Brief: The Uganda National Health Policy 2010/11 serves as a foundational framework for advancing healthcare services across the country.
What we are doing
Listening, Engaging & Acting on our promise
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Routine Quarterly distribution of medicines to PUHMED Member facilities.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the routine distribution of medicines and supplies to PUHMED Member facilities by Real Health Uganda (RHU) for the period of July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
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Special Distribution exercise to support non-PUHMED health centers with supplies.
In March 2023, a significant initiative was undertaken by Real Health to address the healthcare needs of underserved health centers in Uganda.
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2022 – 2025 Dental Camp and Immunization Drive
The 2022 Dental Camp, held in Wakiso from 13-16 May, 2024, was a significant health initiative that provided crucial dental services to the local community.
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Surgical Outreach support for communities: Providing surgical services to vulnerable people.
The Surgical Missions, conducted in collaboration with local and international surgical teams, aimed to provide specialized surgical care to patients in need, particularly those from underserved communities.
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Integration of Mental Health into Primary Healthcare
The Integration of Mental Health into Primary Healthcare project, conducted from February 2023 to January 2024, successfully embedded mental health services into primary healthcare facilities across Uganda.
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Laboratory and Diagnostic Services: January 2024 HIV Screening and Diabetes Consultation
In January 2024, a specialized activity was conducted at a landing site in Kayunga, focusing on HIV screening and diabetes consultation.
Our Policies
Exploring Options, bringing hope and experience.
Access to Healthcare Services Policy
At Real Health Uganda, we recognize that access to healthcare services is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of our mission to promote health equity across Uganda.
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