Mildmay UK provides annual funding for the paediatric care centre known as Elizabeth Ward, in Mildmay Hospital, Kampala. This is the only facility in the region providing high-quality care to children with the most complex cases of HIV-associated health conditions.
Elizabeth Ward, opened by HM The Queen in 2007, treats over 500 children a year from underprivileged families who require specialist care. Children are admitted to Elizabeth Ward with conditions such as HIV, meningitis and malaria.
Once a child has been admitted to Elizabeth Ward they are able to access emergency food supplies and basic materials to ensure children are not repeatedly readmitted. Caregivers are trained to build and encourage support within the home, assess and ensure the child’s well-being, protection and education. They make sure the child attends vital clinic appointments and takes their HIV medication.
There are also around 1,500 indirect beneficiaries including family members, communities and partners, who are reached with HIV prevention and information which can then cascade down to the community as a whole.
It costs Mildmay £10 per child, per day, to provide the inpatient care these children require - but these services are free to the patient or family. We aim to raise £20,000 every year in the UK to be able to keep Elizabeth Ward operational.