In May 2008, Real Medicine Foundation began working with a group of Kenyan refugees who had escaped the political violence in their country to seek peace in next-door Uganda.

RMF provided training in a simple acupuncture protocol effective for treating the symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder

Over 500 people were treated during the week of training, and since the refugees have moved to the permanent camp at Kiryandongo, RMF trainees have provided over 10,000 treatments.

At Kiryandongo camp, refugee families were given some land to farm and some seeds to sow. Most of the aid organizations ceased services soon after the refugees arrived at Kiryandongo.

At the camp, RMF is providing ongoing services and supplies. These include seeds for crops, and money for 700 children to attend school. RMF is also supplying mosquito nets and soap.

While still at the Mulanda Transit Center to the south, Jane – who has AIDS - was suffering from lack of food, a low CD4 count, and her daughter had malaria. Many of her belongings were stolen while she was in the local hospital. RMF supplied her with a new mattress, and food to make the transition to Kiryandongo camp.

Jane’s crops and chickens

Jane is now harvesting the first of her crops and her children are attending school. Because the local health clinic is frequently out of the anti- retrovirals Jane requires to stay healthy, her situation remains precarious.

Because many of the refugees have very little clothing, RMF bought 4 bales of clothes from markets in Kampala & delivered them to the camp.

RMF’s Uganda coordinator, Charles Naku, distributes clothing to the refugees.

Some of the children of Kiryandongo

The population at Kiryandongo camp still faces many hardships. The most serious challenges include malnutrition and access to proper healthcare.

Hunger and disease are still prevalent.

RMF is currently working to increase access to food and healthcare for the Kiryandongo refugees.

RMF’s Whole Health Team will return to the area in December to provide further training, and facilitate healthcare supplies and services. Charles Naku continues to monitor the situation at the camp, deliver supplies, and assess need.