FIMRC Announces New ART Services and Laboratory Technology at Project Bududa, Uganda

PHILADELPHIA - Oct. 31, 2019 - PRLog -- The Foundation for International Medical Relief of Children (http://www.fimrc.org/) (FIMRC) is pleased to share program updates at its site in Project Bududa, Uganda (https://www.fimrc.org/uganda), including new antiretroviral therapy (ART) services and new laboratory technology.

Earlier this year, FIMRC Project Bududa was granted an official antiretroviral therapy (ART) certification by the Ugandan Ministry of Health (https://health.go.ug/) (MOH) at its FIMRC Bushika Health Center III. Under this new certification, FIMRC will store HIV medication on site and directly distribute ART to patients living with HIV. Prior to this certification, people living with HIV in Bududa were required to travel far distances, severely limiting access to these vital medications.

In addition to ART, patients living with HIV in Bududa participate in a variety of education and community engagement programs including growing organic gardens for enhanced nutrition, receiving wellness checks from trained staff, and holistic emotional support through regular monthly meetings.

"Nearly 1.4 million people are living with HIV (https://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/uganda) in Uganda. Anything we can do to make ART more accessible will have a positive impact on efforts to curb the HIV epidemic here," said Michael Seacat, Field Operations Manager at Project Bududa, Uganda. "Reaching our patients on the frontline is crucial to preventing the spread of HIV and supporting our patients as they manage their care."

Project Bududa also recently received a $10,000 grant from medical technology company Becton, Dickinson and Company (https://www.bd.com/en-us) (BD) to upgrade its existing laboratory services and improve the function of the laboratory space. The BD Social Investment Program uses its expertise to collaborate with leading nonprofit organizations to address unmet healthcare needs, focusing on improving healthcare access and strengthening the capacity of health systems to care for all patients, especially the most vulnerable.

The grant will provide new access to essential diagnostic tools. Additional lab upgrades will include a centrifuge, digital mini-incubator, microscope, class II safety cabinets, a medical-grade countertop, fans, fluorescent lights, additional chairs & stools.   These services will allow Project Bududa's clinic to more fully serve the surrounding communities as well as improve the conditions of the laboratory through new surfaces, workspaces, and proper ventilation.

About FIMRC

Founded in 2002, FIMRC is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health of families in the developing world through the implementation of innovative and self-sustainable health improvement programs. Through its network of outpatient clinics and partnerships, FIMRC asserts a multidimensional strategy that includes clinical services, extensive community outreach efforts, and health education programs. Learn more at www.fimrc.org.