2022 CURE Children's Hospital of Uganda Annual Report

CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda

2022 Annual Report

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PURPOSE

To provide world-class surgical care to the world’s most vulnerable children for the proclamation and demonstration of the gospel

VISION

A world where children living with disabilities reach their full potential through God’s hope and healing

MISSION

To heal the sick and proclaim the kingdom of God — Luke 9:2

Baby Thuraya, smiling on her mom’s shoulder

CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda

The numbers and statistics cited throughout this report reflect CURE’s Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22), which ran from July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022.

A LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Tim Erickson

Thank you for your dedication and support that provides hope and healing for vulnerable children at CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda (CURE Uganda)! Our Fiscal Year 2022 (July 1, 2021–June 30, 2022) was one of the most impactful in the hospital’s history. We successfully treated more patients than ever before.

Here are some numbers to celebrate!

• Patients treated at the hospital & mobile clinics: 8,994 (+42% growth)

• Patient admissions: 2,127 (+17% growth)

• Patient surgeries: 1,708 (+24% growth)

Throughout the year, we consistently exceeded 100% of our bed capacity due to the critical needs of vulnerable children with life-threatening neurosurgical conditions. Thankfully, we completed the construction of an additional children’s ward to expand our bed capacity from 47 to 78 beds for inpatient care. We also finished construction on the new 18-bed Intensive Care Unit, which will help us provide quality care for the growing number of patients we treat.

In addition to providing charitable neurosurgical care for vulnerable children, CURE Uganda is expanding access to advanced neurosurgical care worldwide through our training programs for neurosurgeons and healthcare practitioners. We have a steady flow of trainees coming to the hospital from around the world to learn from our model of providing specialized neurosurgical care to the most vulnerable. The hospital has become recognized as a Center of Excellence in pediatric neurosurgery.

This past year we embarked on a new strategic agreement with the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA) to provide a pediatric rotation for neurosurgery residents in Uganda. Our goal is to continue to build capacity for neurosurgery in Uganda and across the continent so that no child will go untreated for their neurosurgical condition.

Under God’s hand, our spiritual ministry programs reached more people than ever before, with 2,283 placing faith in Christ. It has been an incredibly fruitful year as we continue to integrate spiritual ministry into all that we do and remain focused on fulfilling our mission of “healing the sick and proclaiming the kingdom of God.”

With all that has been accomplished, hundreds of thousands of vulnerable children are still born every year with treatable neurological conditions, and they do not have access to the specialized care they urgently need. There is so much more work to be done in reaching these precious children in need of critical neurosurgical care. Thank you for standing with us in this life-saving mission!

Yours in service,

Timothy C. Erickson, MBA Executive Director

CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda

PROCEDURES

DECISIONS FOR CHRIST

* services impacted by COVID-19 pandemic challenges

Davao City PHILIPPINES

CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda

Cities with CURE mobile clinics

OUR NETWORK

CURE Uganda is part of CURE International, a Christian nonprofit organization that operates a global network of charitable children’s hospitals pairing world-class surgical care and counseling to serve children living with treatable disabilities and their families.

Niamey NIGER Addis Ababa ETHIOPIA

Kijabe KENYA

Lusaka ZAMBIA

Blantyre MALAWI

Mbale

Jinja

Kampala

Mbarara

Gulu

Lira

Mbale UGANDA

Bulawayo ZIMBABWE

BUILDING THE FUTURE

CURE Uganda Announces New Partnership to Support Neurosurgical Training

CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda (CURE Uganda) performs more hydrocephalus and spina bifida surgeries annually than any other hospital in the world.

The next chapter of the hospital’s strategic goal to expand access to pediatric neurosurgery in the region has begun: CURE Uganda entered into an agreement with the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA) to provide a training rotation in pediatric neurosurgery as part of the COSECSA training program. COSECSA is an internationallyrecognized organization that fosters postgraduate education in surgery and provides surgical training throughout the East, Central, and Southern Africa region.

“This new partnership allows CURE Uganda to provide expanded training opportunities to future neurosurgeons who will quite literally save the lives of children,” said Justin Narducci, President and CEO of CURE International.

The CURE Uganda– COSECSA Memorandum of Understanding, which has been several years in the making, will allow the next

generation of neurosurgeons from sub-Saharan Africa to learn from CURE Uganda’s skilled team while also learning in an environment that shares the hope of Jesus Christ with patients and families.

“One hospital, regardless of how capable, could never be enough to meet the overwhelming need for neurosurgery in this country and the region at large.

For Dr. Emmanuel Wegoye, Neurosurgeon and Medical Director of CURE Uganda, this is a lifechanging partnership. He says, “This news means that more of the thousands of children born each year with hydrocephalus and other conditions requiring neurosurgery will get the treatment they so desperately require.”

Below: CURE Uganda’s first COSECSA resident, Dr. Simon Mukuye (R), did his rotation from September–December 2021.

“BY EQUIPPING OTHERS WITH THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO SAFELY PERFORM NEUROSURGERY, CURE UGANDA IS MULTIPLYING ITS EFFORTS AND PROVIDING MORE CHILDREN WITH ACCESS TO SPECIALIZED NEUROSURGICAL CARE.”

—Tim Erickson Executive Director of CURE Uganda

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF LIFE-SAVING SURGERY

Vice President and Ugandan Government Officials Celebrate Major Milestone at CURE Uganda

On January 19, 2001, CURE International officially opened CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda in Mbale to offer hope and neurosurgical treatment to children suffering with treatable disabilities. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed plans for a well-deserved 20-year anniversary celebration until the government of Uganda approved public gatherings again under strict standard operating procedures.

To commemorate the 22,000+ children who have benefited from this hospital since its founding, CURE Uganda was recently recognized by everyone from local citizens to the Vice President of the country.

The celebration was especially exciting as it was planned for December 3rd to coincide appropriately with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

H.E. Vice President Jessica Alupo (pictured at center) tours the CURE Uganda Children’s Ward and visits with Ryad, age 5, being treated for a brain condition.

“Allow me to appreciate the fact that this hospital was established as a faith-based organization. In my own opinion, this hospital is laid on a firm foundation. No wonder it [has grown] for twenty years from strength to strength,” said Vice President Alupo.

H.E. Vice President Jessica Alupo was joined by Honorable Angelina Wapakhabulo, the former ambassador to Kenya, founding board member of CURE Uganda, and the widow of Ugandan statesman, Rt. Hon. James Wapakhabulo, who served as Second Deputy Prime Minister, Speaker of the House, and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Assistant Commissioner from Clinical Services, Dr. Nabanja Juliet, also joined in celebrating 20 years of CURE in Uganda.

“On this day, we mark the day for disability…there wouldn’t be a better [place] to mark it than here,” said Dr. Nabanja Juliet, Assistant Commissioner from Clinical Services. “On top of all that is being done, I am proud to know [this] facility…is incorporating soul winning as part of medical care. I want to thank the facility for investing in that.”

Also in attendance were the co-chairman of CURE Uganda’s Board of Directors, Dr. Patrick Bitature, CURE International’s Executive Team members, and Justin Narducci, President & CEO of CURE International.

Over the past 21 years, CURE Uganda has become an international center for neurosurgical procedures and research, a renowned teaching hospital, and a pillar of pediatric healthcare in the under-resourced East African country.

The selfless staff at CURE Uganda are excited about the impact of the hospital over the next 20 years as the hospital continues to add staff and build an overflow ward to treat even more children.

The care provided at CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda is made possible by the generous support of donors who sponsor care at no cost to the children and their guardians.

I WOULD LIKE TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO CONTINUE TO VALUE THE PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL ASPECTS AS YOU HAVE BEEN DOING.”

CURE Uganda staff lead worship during the 20th anniversary celebration.

H.E. Vice President Jessica Alupo

ROAD TO HOPE AND HEALING

CURE Helps Ugandan Mother and Son Find Endurance and Joy Amid Tough Challenges

When Mary learned she was pregnant, like most moms-to-be, she was overjoyed. Twin boys! Joy quickly turned to fear for the Ugandan mother when one of her boys was stillborn, and the other was born with spina bifida (an opening in his back) and hydrocephalus (an excess buildup of fluid in the brain that causes an enlarged head). If left untreated, both can be fatal. But with appropriate early intervention, serious complications may be prevented.

Thankfully, Mary was referred to CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda (CURE Uganda) for life-saving care for her son.

QUESTIONING GOD

I ASKED GOD SO MANY QUESTIONS. WHY ME? WHY ME?

In my mind, my child would have a big head, and I did not accept it,” says Mary.

Mary’s husband pointed her to hope in Jesus. Mary remembers him saying, “You must take heart and thank the Lord. Let’s allow His will to be done.”

Mary named her surviving son Tiwa Jonah. When he was just three days old, CURE’s surgeons removed the fluidfilled sac on his back. Four months later, they successfully drained the excess fluid from his brain.

Tiwa Jonah after life-saving surgery at CURE

FINDING JOY

Since then, CURE’s doctors have closely monitored Tiwa Jonah’s progress through routine checkups. Today, he is a joyful seven-year-old boy who keeps Mary’s spirits strong and hopeful.

MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT TIWA JONAH IS THAT HE BRINGS ME JOY EVERY DAY,”

Mary says. “I want Tiwa Jonah to grow up and become a good person in the future . . . Children like him will be a testimony to the world that spina bifida and hydrocephalus is a disability, but it’s not an inability.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Mary says she is grateful for all the staff at CURE Uganda who “nurtured me and the rest of the parents on how to take care of our children and how to love them.” Mary recalls how confused and fearful she was in the beginning, but because of CURE, she became an advocate for mothers struggling to raise children with hydrocephalus and spina bifida.

CURE’s ministry team provided support through counseling and prayer, which helped Mary place her trust in Jesus. She says, “The first medication CURE administers is the Word of God. And that’s the best thing a mother really needs to hear.”

Through God’s grace and the faithful generosity of CURE’s partners, children like Tiwa Jonah and their families experience life change. Mary says, “Without CURE and the generous support of donors, we would be living a very miserable life. With no proper treatment and medication, we wouldn’t know what to do. We would not fit in the community.”

Today, Mary is full of hope and grateful for healing for Tiwa Jonah (pictured sitting).

BOARD MEMBERS

IN-COUNTRY BOARD MEMBERS

Co-Chairpersons:

The Honorable Janet Museveni

First Lady of Uganda & Member of Parliament

Dr. Patrick Bitature Chairman, SIMBA Corporation

ADDITIONAL BOARD MEMBERS

Mr. Timothy Erickson, MBA

Board Secretary & Treasurer Executive Director, CURE Uganda

Ret. Ambassador Angelina Wapakabulo

Ret. High Commissioner to Kenya

Mr. Martin Muhwezi, MBA Financial Planner

Dr. Emmanuel Wegoye

Medical Director & Neurosurgeon, CURE Uganda

Pastor Fred Wangwa

Spiritual Director, CURE Uganda

Mr. Peter Kyalo

Chief of Programs, CURE International

CURE Uganda staff gathered in front of the hospital.

FINANCIAL ACTIVITY

CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda Statement of Comprehensive Income FY2022

PARTNERSHIPS

Acacia Community Church (Jinja)

Adina Foundation (Lira)

AVSI Uganda (Gulu)

Bulamu Health Care International

CFAO Motors Uganda (Toyota Uganda)

Child-Help International

College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa (COSECSA)

Ekisa Ministries and Children’s Home

eRko – Christian Children Communities Movement

Gulu Regional Referral Hospital

International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus

Indian Women Association

JMS – Joint Medical Stores

Katalemwa Cheshire Home for Rehabilitation Service

Liliane Fonds

Lira Medical Center

Ministry of Health of Uganda

Rotary Club of Kampala Muyenga Breeze

Rotary International Clubs of Muyenga Breeze and Mbale

Ruharo Mission Hospital (Mbarara)

SHAU – Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus

Association of Uganda

SmileTrain

Soft Power (Jinja)

St. Jude Children’s Home (Gulu)

The Headway Africa Initiative

The Office of the First Lady of Uganda

The Patrick & Carol Bitature Foundation

Uganda Protestant Medical Bureau

UMEME Uganda

USRATUNA Rehabilitation Center

JOIN US

If you know of a child that could benefit from the services offered by CURE Uganda, please contact us or bring the child to our on-site clinic during operating hours:

Monday–Friday 8:00–17:00

Saturday–Sunday 9:00–13:00

REFER A CHILD GIVE

All medical care is provided through the generous contributions of CURE donors, our nonprofit partners, and insurance programs. Children will be treated by our clinical team without charge or debt created. Please let us know if you are interested in sponsoring a child’s surgery.

We believe that God alone is the source of changed lives and transformed communities. Please join us in asking for God’s healing for the children we serve.

Address Plot 97–105, Bugwere Rd 903

Mbale, Uganda

Hospital Phone +256 45 4435273

Website

uganda.cure.org

Email info@cureuganda.org

Socials @cure.uganda facebook.com/cureuganda