Building Health Through Cooperation: Highlights from the Rwerere Medical Camp
In June 2025, KAMACOS, in partnership with DGRV and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, commemorated International Cooperative Day with a transformative medical camp in Rwerere Town Council, Rukungiri District. Over two days, the grounds of Rwerere Church of Uganda became a hub of healing, hope, and community resilience.
Reaching
the Underserved
Dental
Care: 114 patients received
extractions, periodontal treatment, and referrals
Eye Care: 303 exams identified presbyopia, conjunctivitis, and cataracts
Acupuncture: 35 patients treated, mostly women over 50 years of Age
Lab
Testing: 599 diagnostics, including HIV, syphilis, ulcers, and diabetes
Medication Dispensing: 727
patients received essential drugs free of charge
Health Education & Community Engagement:
Interactive workshops reached over 850 participants, covering hygiene, nutrition, reproductive health, and disease prevention. More than 300 individuals received confidential counseling, and 107 were referred for specialized care.
Lessons and Insights:
Older adults face a high burden of dental and eye
complications
Non-communicable diseases are prevalent and require
sustained attention
Women are more likely to seek care, highlighting gendered health behaviors
Presbyopia and helminth infections signal
gaps in vision care and sanitation
Challenges
Faced:
Looking Ahead:
KAMACOS Plans to;
Extend the duration and frequency of future camps
Prioritize specialized services like dental and
ophthalmic care
Strengthen referral systems and community health
volunteer training
Mobilize support for age-specific and
gender-responsive cooperative health models
This medical camp was more than a health
intervention; it was a celebration of
cooperative power, a testament to what partnerships can achieve, and a bold
step toward health equity in Uganda.
