Healthcare on Wheels: Reaching the Unreached in Amudat and Nakapiripirit

Access to quality healthcare remains a challenge for many communities in Amudat and Nakapiripirit, particularly for adolescent girls and women who often face barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH), maternal, and child health services. Limited access to accurate information and essential services continues to expose communities to preventable health risks and poor outcomes.

To respond to these challenges, ActionAid International Uganda, through the EHP-EU Project and in partnership with the District Health Departments of Amudat and Nakapiripirit, implemented a series of community caravans and mobile health clinics bringing critical healthcare services directly to the people.

These outreaches were conducted in Losidok and Katabok sub-counties in Amudat District, as well as Loreng and Moruita sub-counties in Nakapiripirit District. Through the support of Village Health Teams (VHTs), communities were mobilized to access a wide range of integrated health services delivered by district health teams.

The community caravans served as powerful platforms for awareness creation, focusing on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), prevention of gender-based violence (SGBV), and information on available health services. Complementing this, mobile health clinics provided on-the-spot medical care, including HIV counselling and testing, STI screening and treatment, malaria testing and treatment, immunization, antenatal care, family planning, and adolescent-friendly SRH services.

In total, 831 individuals (348 males and 483 females), including 18 persons with disabilities, were reached with essential healthcare services and health education. This intervention significantly improved access to services in hard-to-reach areas while strengthening community knowledge and health-seeking behaviours.

A key highlight of the intervention was the delivery of family planning services to seven women, including four adolescent girls aged 15–19 years. This support is critical in enabling young women to make informed reproductive health choices, helping to prevent unintended pregnancies and supporting their future aspirations.

Child health was also prioritized, with 51 children (34 boys and 17 girls) immunized against measles, polio, and malaria an essential step in protecting children from life-threatening diseases and reducing child mortality.

Efforts to promote early detection and prevention included cervical cancer screening for 25 women, ensuring that those at risk could be referred for timely medical care. Additionally, 235 individuals (85 males and 150 females) were screened for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with those testing positive receiving appropriate treatment contributing to improved sexual health and reduced transmission within the community.

Maternal health services were equally strengthened, with 34 mothers, including four teenage mothers, receiving antenatal care. These services supported early detection and management of pregnancy-related complications, contributing to safer pregnancies and healthier outcomes for both mothers and their babies.

Overall, the community caravans and mobile health clinics have proven to be an effective approach in expanding access to essential healthcare services in underserved areas. By combining service delivery with community engagement and awareness, the initiative has not only addressed immediate health needs but also empowered communities with knowledge and confidence to seek care.

As ActionAid International Uganda continues to work alongside local partners, such interventions remain critical in advancing equitable healthcare access and improving the wellbeing of communities across the communities of Amudat and Nakapiripirit.