{"id":275820,"date":"2025-01-27T02:15:07","date_gmt":"2025-01-27T02:15:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/venusdesign.biz\/dev\/?p=275820"},"modified":"2025-02-04T02:42:39","modified_gmt":"2025-02-04T02:42:39","slug":"building-bridges-in-gulu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/building-bridges-in-gulu\/","title":{"rendered":"Building Bridges in Gulu: Strengthening Health Systems and Community Partnerships"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;section&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.25.0&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Text&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p>I am thrilled to have been a part of the Well on their Way USA team\u2019s recent visit to Gulu, Uganda from the 11\/1\/2025 to 21\/1\/2025. This journey was more than a trip; it was a celebration of family members coming together, partnership, learning, and making meaningful contributions to community health and development.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/building-bridges-in-gulu-1.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;building-bridges-in-gulu-1&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;20px||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;24px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;font-style:italic;\t&#8221; custom_css_free_form=&#8221;font\t-style:italic;\t&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>Richard and Matt, in the Well On their Way office in Awach.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Text&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2>Visits to Patiko HCIII and Rwot Obilo HCII<\/h2>\n<p>On Monday 20\/1\/2025 the WOtW team visited two key health facilities, Patiko Health Center III and Rwot Obilo Health Center II. These visits provided valuable insights into the daily challenges and triumphs of healthcare delivery in rural settings. At Rwot Obilo HCII, we were heartened by the commitment of the staff, who work tirelessly to provide care despite resource limitations. At Patiko HCIII, we witnessed community-centered healthcare in action (Village Health Team members vaccinating and the local elected chairperson on the ground), with staff demonstrating a deep connection to the people they serve. Both visits reaffirmed the importance of strengthening local health systems to ensure sustainable impact. Interestingly we experienced the worse road ever and we thought we would not reach Patiko HCIII. This again is an experience of how mothers struggle to reach health centers for births and antenatal clinics.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/building-bridges-in-gulu-2.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;building-bridges-in-gulu-2&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;24px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;font-style:italic;\t&#8221; custom_css_free_form=&#8221;font\t-style:italic;\t&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>It seemed best that we not be in the car at this section!<\/em><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Text&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2>A Step Back in Time: Visiting Fort Baker at Ajulu<\/h2>\n<p>No visit to Gulu would be complete without exploring its rich history, entering through the gate of NO RETURN. We had the privilege of visiting Fort Baker at Ajulu, a former slave trading site steeped in historical significance. As we walked through its grounds, we reflected on the resilience and strength of the people of northern Uganda. The visit was a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving and learning from our shared histories to inspire progress.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/building-bridges-in-gulu-3.png&#8221; title_text=&#8221;building-bridges-in-gulu-3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font_size=&#8221;24px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;center&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;0px||||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;font-style:italic;\t&#8221; custom_css_free_form=&#8221;font\t-style:italic;\t&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>From left to right: Ruth McDonald, Matthew Kane, Richard Nyeko Ssemujju, Susan Apiyo, Monica Akello, Ann Markes, Jackie Olanya Grace, Meg Carmel and Catherine Burke <\/em><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Text&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2>Looking Ahead<\/h2>\n<p>This visit was not just about sharing knowledge but also about deepening relationships and listening to the voices of the village health teams. We are more determined than ever to continue our collaboration with Uganda Health Activity partners to address health challenges and foster development in Gulu District and beyond.<\/p>\n<p>We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this visit possible \u2013 our hosts in Gulu, the dedicated healthcare workers, the wonderful driver, and, of course, our supporters in the United States.<\/p>\n<p>Together, we are well on our way to building a healthier, brighter future for all.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; max_width=&#8221;50%&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;float:left;&#8221; locked=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I am thrilled to have been a part of the Well on their Way USA team\u2019s recent visit to Gulu, Uganda from the 11\/1\/2025 to 21\/1\/2025. This journey was more than a trip; it was a celebration of family members coming together, partnership, learning, and making meaningful contributions to community health and development.   <a href=\"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/building-bridges-in-gulu\/\">Read More ><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" admin_label=\"section\" _builder_version=\"4.25.0\" custom_padding=\"0px||||false|false\" locked=\"off\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_row admin_label=\"row\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"top_left\" background_repeat=\"repeat\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" custom_padding=\"|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\"][et_pb_text admin_label=\"Text\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"top_left\" background_repeat=\"repeat\" custom_margin=\"||0px||false|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]<p>Each year, we bring a program developed by the WHO (Helping Babies Survive\/Helping Mothers Survive) for education of health care providers in resource poor countries.\u00a0 We employ a trainer-of-trainers model to disseminate knowledge and skills to all of the health care workers, anyone who may be called upon to attend the delivery of a baby, throughout Gulu District, Uganda.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0Last year, the midwives of Gulu District Uganda recognized the need for further training in the management of women at high risk of preterm birth and requested that we bring that training this year. This program is still under development by the WHO and not readily available, but after learning more about our work, the WHO granted us permission to use it prior to being released.\u00a0 We presented the training to a group of midwives from Gulu District, some of whom are WOtW Master Midwives who will continue to train their colleagues following our departure.\u00a0 They were as engaged with the learning as ever before!\u00a0 We then watched them train a second group.<\/p>\n<p>During this second two day training, the need for this education made itself apparent when a woman presented to Awach Health Center IV (right where we were conducting the training) with a condition putting her at high risk for preterm birth.\u00a0 She graciously allowed one of our trainees, Nurse Patrick Ocen, to practice his new and refined skills.\u00a0<\/p>\n<!-- \/divi:paragraph -->[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/empowering-midwives-in-gulu-1.png\" title_text=\"empowering midwives in gulu-1\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\" custom_padding=\"20px||||false|false\"][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_font_size=\"24px\" text_orientation=\"center\" custom_margin=\"0px||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"0px||||false|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" custom_css_main_element=\"font-style:italic;\t\" custom_css_free_form=\"font\t-style:italic;\t\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>Nurse Patrick Ocen evaluating the patient while WOtW instructors<br \/>Dr. Meg Carmel and Midwife Jane Anying look on.<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=\"Text\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"top_left\" background_repeat=\"repeat\" custom_margin=\"||0px||false|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]<p>He gathered a history, performed her examination and determined a diagnosis and management plan brilliantly. He presented the case to the group of trainees. \u00a0Her case highlighted the importance of this training to the learners and was such a powerful way to integrate all that we have done while here. The mother\u2019s willingness to engage with our team, a choice she certainly did not have to make, underscores the engagement of the community in building up their health care system.\u00a0 We\u2019re so proud of our learners and thankful to this community for working together to ensure <em>a healthy start for every mother and baby<\/em>!<\/p>\n<p>(P.S. The following day Lucy delivered a 1.9 kg (a little over 4 pounds) baby. The baby did not have difficulty breathing or feeding \u2013 we attribute that to Patrick\u2019s management!)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/divi:paragraph --><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/empowering-midwives-in-gulu-2.png\" title_text=\"empowering midwives in gulu-2\" _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.4\" _module_preset=\"default\" text_font_size=\"24px\" text_orientation=\"center\" custom_margin=\"0px||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"0px||||false|false\" hover_enabled=\"0\" custom_css_main_element=\"font-style:italic;\t\" custom_css_free_form=\"font\t-style:italic;\t\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>Patrick discussing the mother\u2019s management with WOtW instructors Dr. Meg Carmel and Midwife Monica Akello<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.27.0\" _module_preset=\"default\" max_width=\"50%\" custom_css_main_element=\"float:left;\" locked=\"off\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[43],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-275820","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/275820","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=275820"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/275820\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":275835,"href":"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/275820\/revisions\/275835"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=275820"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=275820"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellontheirway.org\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=275820"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}