Spending the past two weeks in Uganda has been a transformative experience, filled with invaluable lessons and enlightening encounters. From the bustling streets of Kampala to the serene yet challenging environments of the Bidibidi and Rhino refugee settlements, my journey has been one of discovery, learning, and deep engagement.
The First Days: Masaka, Uganda
Our program began in Masaka, a small city located about two hours from Kampala, Uganda’s capital. We attended a Forum on Child and Adolescent Global Health Research and Capacity Building and had a unique opportunity to network and get to know fellow trainees from the various ICHAD programs. We also visited various health centers and schools across the region, gaining firsthand insights into the delivery of healthcare services. Traveling to our site visits was filled with scenic views of the untouched natural beauty and the hustle of locals going about their day-to-day life.
Journey to the North: Bidibidi and Rhino Camp Refugee Settlements
I joined a group of trainees and WashU faculty on a 15-hour road trip to the refugee settlements in Bidibidi in Northern Uganda. In the van with 8 trainees, we played games, napped, read, and had incredible discussions about our cultures, personal journeys, and passions. The journey was long and tiring, but the experiences that awaited us were worth every mile traveled. For the next several days, we immersed ourselves in the refugee community, engaging with stakeholders, community leaders, and refugees themselves. Observing the implementation of ongoing research on the Youth Readiness Initiative provided a deeper understanding of how such programs are delivered and their impact on the community. We engaged in group briefings and discussion led by Dr. Nhial which reflected profound insights that reshaped my perspective on resilience, community, and the transformative power of dedicated health initiatives.
Over the next several weeks, I will be working on the data of an mHealth intervention that is geared towards addressing depression and improving antiretroviral therapy adherence among youth living with HIV, alongside and with the mentorship of Dr. Patricia Cavazos-Rehg and Dr. Proscovia Nabunya.