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East African Trip 2009
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Here is a brief overview of my trip to Africa in June and July 2009.
June 2009
First stop was Gayaza High School Early Learning Breast Health Curriculum Pilot Project. Headmistress Victoria Kisarale had positive report about the impact of program since 2008. She is actively involved.
Visit with Dr. Richard Ssekajugo, had met him last year at the health ministry but now heads non-communicable diseases including breast cancer. Invited me to the first CDC sponsored conference. I could not attend it due to prior engagement. His office is covered by the new Uganda Budget
Fruitful visit with Dean of Women & Gender Studies, Makerere who agreed to be one of the presenters at BCIEA conference in Kigali. Also expressed interest to work out collaboration systems with Gayaza and women including awareness & education.
July 2009
Visit with Fawe Girls High School- pilot project. As a result of BCIEA Volunteer work with Fawe girls, 2 girls found lumps in their breasts. I was able to convince the CEO of the major hospital to agree to take care of these 2 girls and he promised to do so even if it means sending them outside the country for treatment.
The conference - great success-yet to be edited video/DVD
Media coverage of the event included TV, Radio & Newspapers
MTN sponsored conference t-shirts
Physicians Without Borders sponsored part of the conference & expressed interest in sponsoring exclusive breast cancer conference 2010(BCIEA) in Kigali
125 doctors from Central & East Africa attended most of the conference
Presenters came from Australia, USA, Uganda, & Rwanda
Entertainment including "Pink Dancers"
As a result of positive response-several meetings took place with stake holders such as:
- First Lady of Rwanda
- USA Ambassador to Rwanda
- Minister of Health
- Hospital CEOs
- Business CEOs
- Women Parliamentarians
- Religious Leaders
- Acquisition of office space in one of the hospitals, a toll-free number from MTN
Now what?
Focus will be on developing BCIEA Rwanda branch, once solidified, then we will replicate in Uganda, then Kenya and then the rest of East Africa.
The Kigali office needs a computer and office equipment.
Trained volunteers are now disseminating the few available educational materials, counseling and demonstrating Breast Self Examination.
We are now in the process of proposal/grant writing/fund raising for the first Mobile Mammogram Unit & mass production of educational materials in both English and vernacular including educational films
We are in the process of updating the website: www.breastcancerafrica.org
Recruiting volunteers, workload on the unmanageable increase
Ideas, Leads & Tips are welcome
Your prayers and support are immensely appreciated, for Together We Can truly Make a Difference.
Blessings
Philippa Kibugu-Decuir
Founder BCIEA Inc.
501 c, 3, Grassroots, Non-Profit Organization
Any donation is tax deductible and can be done on: www.breastcancerafrica.org
Pictures
Visit the album to leave your comments.
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