Napak, Uganda | A staggering 52% of residents in Napak district are without access to essential healthcare services, primarily due to an insufficient number of health facilities. The most severely affected sub-counties—Poron, Lorenchora, and Achukudu—lack any healthcare centers, forcing residents to travel up to 45 kilometers to reach the nearest facility in adjacent sub-counties.
Napak does not have a Health IV unit, and the nearest referral hospital, Moroto Regional Referral Hospital, is approximately 120 kilometers away. Currently, the district is served by 19 health centers, which include one military facility and a private hospital in Matany, along with five Health Centre IIIs and 12 Health Centre IIs.
Timothy Teko, the district's Health Officer, pointed out that areas like Poron and Lorengechora are situated in fertile regions attracting significant agricultural activity, yet they lack necessary healthcare infrastructure. This absence has exacerbated the disease burden, with malaria being the most prevalent illness affecting children and contributing to high infant mortality rates due to inadequate care.
The dire situation has led to tragic outcomes. John Paul Kodet, the LCV Chairperson of Napak, reported the recent death of a child from malaria and a mother who died during childbirth at home, unable to reach a healthcare facility in time due to impassable roads.
Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, as the lengthy journeys to access antenatal care pose significant risks. Existing facilities are often understaffed, struggling to meet the needs of the large patient population.
To alleviate the crisis, the Ministry of Health has donated a life support ambulance to serve Bokora constituency, particularly aiding communities in Poron and Achukudu that currently lack health facilities. Faith Nakut, the Woman MP for Napak, emphasized the importance of expanding health services, highlighting that the geographical size of the sub-counties complicates access to care.
In response to the pressing health needs, Nakut has taken personal initiative by purchasing an additional ambulance to ensure that the community has some means of transport to health services.
Local leaders, including John Bosco Ngoya, the MP for Bokora County, have called for better road infrastructure to facilitate patient transport and improve access to health facilities. The Chief Administrative Officer for Napak, James Bedijo Okumu, expressed commitment to maintaining the newly donated ambulance and ensuring it is used solely for transporting patients.
Okumu also emphasized the need for proper parking and accessibility of the ambulance to ensure timely medical response during emergencies.
The health crisis in Napak district underscores the urgent need for expanded healthcare services and infrastructure. Community leaders are advocating for increased government support to build more facilities and improve transport networks, ultimately striving to enhance the health and wellbeing of the district’s residents.
