Health and Hygiene in Kidepo-Rupa

Project Numbers

The project "Health and Hygiene in Kidepo-Rupa," launched by the Costa Family Foundation with the valuable contribution of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, represented a significant commitment to improving health and hygiene conditions at the St. Pius III Medical Center in the Moroto District, Uganda. Thanks to a total investment of €46,724 (70% of which was public funding), the beneficial effects of the project will reach a vast community of over 16,000 people, offering specialized medical services and implementing sustainable solutions to promote health and hygiene in the remote Karamoja region.

Activities Undertaken

The project was structured into two main initiatives, focusing on both the training of medical staff and the construction of new infrastructure:

Ultrasounds and Oxygen:

• Three midwives were trained in the proper use of ultrasound at St. Kizito Matany Hospital.
• Eleven medical staff members received training on oxygen administration.

Eco-Friendly Kitchens and Stoves:

• Collaboration with the local partner ISP in Africa led to the construction of two eco-friendly kitchens and two blocks of latrines, improving hygiene and environmental sustainability.
• The new energy-saving stoves reduced firewood consumption by 60%, mitigating environmental impact and deforestation.

Effectiveness, Efficiency, and Impact

The active participation of stakeholders, beneficiaries, and key figures ensured a significant social impact. Collaboration with local entities, the private sector, and healthcare professionals guided the project, providing concrete solutions to priority challenges. The thank-you letter from the Medical Center testifies to the successful collaboration and appreciation for the goals achieved.

Positive Factors and Challenges

Among the positive elements that contributed to the success of the project:

• The enthusiasm and professionalism of all the actors involved.
• Effective collaboration with the Medical Center staff and the construction company Greentech.
• Technical support provided by St. Kizito Matany Hospital for training courses.

Critical factors reported include:

• The numerous commitments of the staff at St. Pius Kidepo-Rupa Health Center, causing delays in the courses.
• Weather conditions, characterized by heavy rains alternating with scorching heat, leading to rapid building deterioration.

Nevertheless, the active management of these challenges demonstrated the project's resilience and the goodwill of all involved actors.

Goals Achieved

The project successfully achieved numerous specific objectives, including:

• Improved access to medical services, reducing travel for adequate care.
• Improved postnatal care and specific training for medical staff.
• 100% increase in the Center's capacity for oxygen administration.
• Significant reduction in open defecation through the construction of latrines, thus improving sanitary conditions.
• Improved energy efficiency and reduced consumption of firewood and charcoal.

Long-Term Sustainability

The St. Pius Medical Center, managed by the Catholic Diocese of Moroto, will ensure the maintenance of the new structures, contributing to economic sustainability. The use of energy-saving stoves will reduce management costs and environmental impact, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Continuous training and collaboration between the Center, St. Kizito Matany Hospital, and the local government promise further developments. The active involvement of midwives in training their colleagues ensures skill growth and empowerment of local capacities.

In line with achievements over the years, also thanks to the contribution of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, the Costa Family Foundation chose a cooperative approach for this project, yielding positive impacts such as:

• Long-term presence in a context for an extended period.
• Direct involvement of local and/or international organizations committed to driving change from the grassroots.
• Efforts to build accountable relationships with local entities and beneficiary communities.

Conclusions

The "Health and Hygiene in Kidepo-Rupa" project represented a year of tangible progress towards a healthier community and resilient health structures. Through collaboration, innovation, and attention to local needs, the Costa Family Foundation has charted a significant path towards lasting improvement in health and hygiene in the Karamoja region. With sustainability integrated at every stage, this project is not only a success of the present but an investment in the future well-being of the communities involved.