Overview
Good health is a cornerstone of
human development, yet rural communities continue to face barriers such as
inadequate healthcare facilities, high maternal mortality rates, and poor
access to clean water. The Rural Smiles Foundation focuses on creating
healthier communities by addressing both healthcare delivery and its broader
determinants like education and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
Rural areas in Uganda have long
struggled with limited access to quality healthcare services. In Kibaale
District, for instance, less than 30% of health centers meet the minimum
healthcare standards (Uganda Ministry of Health, 2022). Maternal and infant
mortality rates have been disproportionately high, largely due to inadequate
infrastructure, unreliable electricity, and a shortage of skilled health
workers.
The Rural Smiles Foundation has
emerged as a key advocate for healthcare equity in rural Uganda. By combining
grassroots advocacy with practical interventions, the foundation has
significantly improved access to healthcare in Kibaale District and neighboring
regions.
What
We Do
- Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR):
Providing access to family planning services, contraception, and safe abortion care. We also run adolescent health programs and tackle issues like sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). - Maternal and Child Health:
Equipping maternity wards with solar-powered solutions and improving healthcare delivery for safe motherhood and child survival. - Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health:
Raising awareness and improving access to treatment for diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and depression in underserved communities. - WASH Programs:
Building sanitation facilities, drilling boreholes, and conducting hygiene education campaigns to combat waterborne diseases.
Impact
- Over 50,000 individuals reached annually with health
education campaigns.
- 2 health centers equipped with solar power, ensuring
reliable healthcare services.
- Safe water access provided to 15,000 school children
through borehole drilling and hygiene awareness programs.
Future
Plans
- Expand solar energy projects to 4 health facilities by
2027.
- Launch telemedicine programs to connect rural
communities with specialist healthcare providers.
- Reach 100,000 people annually through comprehensive
health campaigns on HIV/AIDS, SRHR, and mental health.
Join
Us
We welcome partnerships with
healthcare organizations, governments, and donors passionate about improving
health outcomes. Together, we can ensure every rural community has access to
the care they need.