Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
 |
New Vision (Kampala) - October 1, 2008
Ganzi Muhanguzi
The centre, which was a donation from the Bristol-Myers Squib Foundation, would give free HIV/AIDS treatment to children across East Africa.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the Baylor executive director, Dr. Adeodata Kekitiinwa, said: "We have state-of-the-art facilities including a CD4 machine, which we previously had to hire at over $17 per check."
The centre, Kekitiinwa said, would treat up to 20,000 children.
"We are currently treating 180 children daily but hope to increase the number to 200," she said.
Apart from the usual pediatric services, the centre would also offer diagnosis of HIV infection, antiretroviral therapy, immunisation and adolescent care and support.
"We are committed to delivering high quality health care and clinical research in Uganda," Kekitiinwa said.
The college has clinics in 29 districts in the country and employs over 160 staff.
"We also have a school fees scheme, where we provide fees for the needy children," Kekitiinwa added.
The college vice-president in charge of international affairs, Michael Mizwa, said the centre was the first of its kind in East Africa.
"We have similar establishments in Botswana, Lesotho and Malawi, but this is bigger," Mizwa said.
In 2005, the Government and Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative signed a memorandum of understanding.
The memorandum stated that the Government would provide land, while Baylor would provide the funds to set up the centre.
"We have also agreed with our partners to get funding for the maintenance of the facility," Mizwa said.
President Yoweri Museveni is expected to to open the centre.
081001
NV081001
Copyright © 2008 - The New Vision. All articles are republished on AEGIS by permission. Material may not be redistributed, posted to any other location, published or used for broadcast without written authorization from Managing Director/Editor-in-chief, The New Vision, P.O. Box 9815, Kampala - Uganda, Tel/fax: 256-41-235221, E-mail: wpike@newvision.co.ug.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2008. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2008. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .