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OUR PEOPLE, OUR MISSION Global Health eMagazine November 2022 Highlights Spotlight Reflections Reflections Reflection on My Trip to Uganda: Healthcare must be available, accessible, affordable, and customizable to each community’s needs Written by Wendi Cuscina, MPH Manager of the Global Health Program at Nuvance Health Global Local UNG77 Among the Letters Nursing Division Wendi Cuscina with Susan Byekwaso I’m unsure what I expected. But what I experienced was a culture pulsating with national pride, soil so rich and fertile it produces lush and bountiful gardens, downtown streets so vibrant they rival NYC’s Broadway, and a smile on every face. Yet poverty is seen everywhere. Decolonization Art to Remind Us of Who We Can Be Our Beautiful Planet Ebola in Uganfda Article of the Month Video of the Month Congratulations Global Health Family Photo News Photo Gallery Resources Wonderful and progressive work is being accomplished at St. Francis Naggalama, St. Stephen’s, and the African Community Center for Social Sustainability (ACCESS). A broad array of services (OB/GYN, Oncology, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Operating Room Theater, Dental, Tuberculosis) as well as an increase in diagnostic services are becoming more available. The community outreach program and the community healthcare workers operated by ACCESS is vital as it provides education and information to Nakaseke District while its mobile health clinic offers basic healthcare/vaccination services to an area where access to healthcare is near impossible. However, the socioeconomic disparities are on full display, both in-country and amongst Uganda’s populations and in comparison to high-income countries (HICs). Patient surveys in the US are often riddled with disparaging remarks because the meal served was not five-star, or perhaps there was no private room, or the wait for diagnostic testing was interminably long. Consider this: Ugandan hospitals, whether private, community-based, or government-run, do not offer food services. Patients rely on family members to provide meals. These families can be seen setting up makeshift “camps” on hospital grounds both inside and outside the facility, as traveling to the hospital daily is most often a long and laborious trek. The patient also relies on the family for bed and bath linens as this service is also not provided by the facility. Per-room occupancy is no less than eight persons separated only by a thin curtain. Some wards house onedozen beds with no curtain for privacy. Should the chickens nesting under the beds be considered occupants? Have I neglected to mention there is one shared restroom in the hall for the entire unit? Private baths are non-existent. Advanced diagnostic capabilities do not exist, making it very difficult to diagnose, prevent, and/or treat conditions such as stroke and progressive heart diseases. Reflections continued on next page >> 8
OUR PEOPLE, OUR MISSION Global Health eMagazine November 2022 Highlights Spotlight Reflections Global Local UNG77 Among the Letters Nursing Division Decolonization Art to Remind Us of Who We Can Be Our Beautiful Planet Ebola in Uganfda Article of the Month I departed each facility shaking my head, impressed by what clinicians can accomplish daily with the little resources they have available; amazed that the local residents don’t expect more and appear satisfied with whatever is offered; but saddened, angry, and embarrassed by how we in HICs take for granted the healthcare services afforded to us, both preventative and curative. We in HIC are all guilty of donning the rose-colored lenses and turning a blind eye to the living conditions of our neighbors. We are all citizens of one global world. What is perceived as basic human rights should not be isolated to HIC, but available to all peoples in all nations. How do we move forward to eliminate inequality? The ideal answer would be the restructuring of government engagement in addressing the needs of the community, but unfortunately, this is not an option. We must rely on philanthropy. One voice creates a ripple that brings the plights of the underserved to the forefront of everyone’s thoughts. It is not enough to have sufficient healthcare available; it must be made accessible, affordable, and customizable to each community’s needs. Each one of us are citizens of the human race, and humanity for every citizen should be second nature, and not an effort. We need to level the playing field across the globe so that regardless of a country’s income, healthcare systems need to be available that are accessible, affordable, inclusive, extensive, and comprehensive. I want to thank Sister Jane and Dr. Otim for a lovely welcome upon arriving in Entebbe Airport. Their hospitality at St. Francis Naggalama Hospital and Guest House was so very much appreciated after the long flight. The St. Francis community, housing, and medical facilities were wonderful. The cultural dance event was a beautiful way to start my visit to Uganda. Reverend Samuel Luboga, Christine, and their beautiful family—words cannot express my gratitude. From the moment I stepped into their home, I was enveloped with warmth and love. The smiles and laughter we shared around the dining table are not only ingrained in my memory but are imprinted on my heart. Thank you, Reverend, for sharing your stories: the history of St. Stephen’s Hospital, the years under the Idi Amin regime, the jokes, your children, and your love story with Christine. We are now forever connected. Congratulations and Happy 50th Wedding Anniversary! My love to you, Christine, Susan, Winnie, and Rachel. Video of the Month Congratulations Global Health Family Photo News Photo Gallery Resources Autumn on Candlewood Lake (Rose Schwartz) 9
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- Page 5 and 6: OUR PEOPLE, OUR MISSION Global Heal
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OUR PEOPLE,<br />
OUR MISSION<br />
Global Health<br />
eMagazine<br />
November 2022<br />
Highlights<br />
Spotlight<br />
Reflections<br />
Reflections<br />
Reflection on My Trip to Uganda:<br />
Healthcare must be available,<br />
accessible, affordable, and<br />
customizable to each community’s<br />
needs<br />
Written by Wendi Cuscina, MPH<br />
Manager of the Global Health Program at<br />
Nuvance Health<br />
Global Local<br />
UNG77<br />
Among the Letters<br />
Nursing Division<br />
Wendi Cuscina with<br />
Susan Byekwaso<br />
I’m unsure what I expected. But what I<br />
experienced was a culture pulsating with<br />
national pride, soil so rich and fertile it produces<br />
lush and bountiful gardens, downtown streets<br />
so vibrant they rival NYC’s Broadway, and<br />
a smile on every face. Yet poverty is seen<br />
everywhere.<br />
Decolonization<br />
Art to Remind Us of Who<br />
We Can Be<br />
Our Beautiful Planet<br />
Ebola in Uganfda<br />
Article of the Month<br />
Video of the Month<br />
Congratulations<br />
Global Health Family<br />
Photo News<br />
Photo Gallery<br />
Resources<br />
Wonderful and progressive work is being accomplished at St. Francis Naggalama,<br />
St. Stephen’s, and the African Community Center for Social Sustainability<br />
(ACCESS). A broad array of services (OB/GYN, Oncology, Orthopedics,<br />
Pediatrics, Operating Room Theater, Dental, Tuberculosis) as well as an increase<br />
in diagnostic services are becoming more available. The community outreach<br />
program and the community healthcare workers operated by ACCESS is vital as<br />
it provides education and information to Nakaseke District while its mobile health<br />
clinic offers basic healthcare/vaccination services to an area where access to<br />
healthcare is near impossible.<br />
However, the socioeconomic disparities are on full display, both in-country and<br />
amongst Uganda’s populations and in comparison to high-income countries<br />
(HICs). Patient surveys in the US are often riddled with disparaging remarks<br />
because the meal served was not five-star, or perhaps there was no private room,<br />
or the wait for diagnostic testing was interminably long. Consider this: Ugandan<br />
hospitals, whether private, community-based, or government-run, do not offer<br />
food services. Patients rely on family members to provide meals. These families<br />
can be seen setting up makeshift “camps” on hospital grounds both inside and<br />
outside the facility, as traveling to the hospital daily is most often a long and<br />
laborious trek. The patient also relies on the family for bed and bath linens as<br />
this service is also not provided by the facility. Per-room occupancy is no less<br />
than eight persons separated only by a thin curtain. Some wards house onedozen<br />
beds with no curtain for privacy. Should the chickens nesting under the<br />
beds be considered occupants? Have I neglected to mention there is one shared<br />
restroom in the hall for the entire unit? Private baths are non-existent. Advanced<br />
diagnostic capabilities do not exist, making it very difficult to diagnose, prevent,<br />
and/or treat conditions such as stroke and progressive heart diseases.<br />
Reflections continued on next page >><br />
8
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