A shortage of doctors for a population of over 46 million people creates a dismal doctor-patient ratio for healthcare in Uganda.

The region currently has a ratio of one doctor per 25,000 people, which is a significantly lower number than the World Health Organization’s recommendation of one doctor per 1000 people. The lack of capacity and access to healthcare services is a dire issue that needs to be addressed to relieve the system's burden.

The lack of proper equipment and governmental funding leads to an overwhelming number of patients, overburdening Uganda’s healthcare professionals.

Doctors and trainees work under extreme pressure, committing long hours for understaffed facilities. In some cases, students who work as interns have to step in as doctors, providing medical care in place of licensed professionals without receiving pay. This can lead to critical misdiagnoses as patients are not receiving care from a certified professional.

The lack of funding and opportunities for the nation’s aspiring doctors makes them seek better opportunities abroad.

To find solutions for health care problems in Uganda, many rely on local aspiring doctors. However, medical professionals are met with inadequate pay resulting in the low quality of care within the nation’s healthcare system. In search of better options and means to support themselves and their families financially, many medical graduates leave the country. This only further worsens the shortage of doctors in the region.

Enhancing
Healthcare Support
Across Africa

Poor pay, ill-funded hospitals, and grueling working hours that overburden the healthcare professionals in Uganda have been major issues facing the country. Girl Power USA is taking the first step to try and solve this challenge by training more doctors to improve the nation’s healthcare system.

Our initiative for healthcare in Uganda focuses on supporting aspiring doctors financially to improve the critical doctor-patient ratio.

With a population of over 46 million people and a constantly expanding need for healthcare services, Uganda currently has a ratio of one doctor per 25,000 people. This is significantly lower than the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of one doctor per 1000 people.

How We Are Changing Lives

Increasing the number of doctors locally and improving healthcare standards in the region through financial aid for aspiring medical students.

Establishing multiple health camps and providing non-discriminatory and affordable service for health issues in Uganda.

Creating specialized burn centers to provide specialized care to survivors and address their unique needs.

Building a healthier and more productive population to support the nation’s socio-economic development.

Hurdles In The Way

A shortage of doctors for a population of over 46 million people creates a dismal doctor-patient ratio for healthcare in Uganda.
The region currently has a ratio of one doctor per 25,000 people, which is a significantly lower number than the World Health Organization’s recommendation of one doctor per 1000 people. The lack of capacity and access to healthcare services is a dire issue that needs to be addressed to relieve the system’s burden.
The lack of proper equipment and governmental funding leads to an overwhelming number of patients, overburdening Uganda’s healthcare professionals.
Doctors and trainees work under extreme pressure, committing long hours for understaffed facilities. In some cases, students who work as interns have to step in as doctors, providing medical care in place of licensed professionals without receiving pay. This can lead to critical misdiagnoses as patients are not receiving care from a certified professional.
The lack of funding and opportunities for the nation’s aspiring doctors makes them seek better opportunities abroad.
To find solutions for health care problems in Uganda, many rely on local aspiring doctors. However, medical professionals are met with inadequate pay resulting in the low quality of care within the nation’s healthcare system. In search of better options and means to support themselves and their families financially, many medical graduates leave the country. This only further worsens the shortage of doctors in the region.

What We Have Achieved So Far

Since its inception, this program by Girl Power USA has resulted in the creation of multiple fully fledged medical camps conducted for street-connected children and other vulnerable populations in Uganda. We have successfully treated approximately 200 street children for various health issues in partnership with SALVE International. We aided in addressing common issues such as HIV, typhoid, malaria, and peptic ulcer diseases. Girl Power USA, through this program, has also provided counseling to children to educate and raise awareness for the importance of mental and emotional well-being.

Three medical students are currently in the pipeline of our beneficiaries, receiving the necessary funding to strengthen the healthcare workforce. We plan to expand this program to strengthen its reach and impact in underserved areas.