The Power of Relationships

 by Harriet Nakayiza, Program Coordinator

I’m sitting outside of Nawansiinge Health Centre II in the grassy area because the all the seats in the waiting area are occupied. Nurse Betty told me that if I wanted to meet with her, I would have to wait until she had finished serving all the patients. So, I wait.

Nurse Betty is a dedicated government health worker; she arrives to the clinic early and continues to take patients long after most of her colleagues leave for the day. Each health center has targets to reach – a certain number of HIV or malaria tests to conduct each quarter, and it is clear that Betty is committed to reaching those goals. Today, I’m here to introduce UVP to her and request any supplies she can provide. Nawansiinge Health Centre serves UVP’s 2020 villages, so it should be fairly easy to gain her assistance in providing supplies for the upcoming HIV outreach because it will directly benefit her catchment area.

When she finishes with the last patient, I formally introduce UVP’s work to Nurse Betty. She admits that she has not heard of UVP, but seems very interested in our work. We discuss at length our mutual mission of delivering health services in communities that need it most and the challenges of that endeavor: long distances to travel, unmaintained roads, and a lack of funding for such outreaches. Our mutual passion for the work is evident, which is why I was surprised that she didn’t immediately provide supplies – she said she needed to speak to her supervisor. Understandably so, I think to myself.

True to her word, Nurse Betty calls me back the next day to tell me that her supervisor has approved for Nawansiinge Health Centre to work with UVP by providing supplies and health workers to conduct HIV outreaches. Although Nurse Betty was not familiar with UVP’s work, her supervisor was and expressed great interest in working with us. It is this moment that I realize the power of a relationship – UVP works with many health centers in the area, and health workers collaborate frequently. Because of our deep relationships both in villages and health centers, the supervisor at Nawansiinge Health Centre II knew about UVP and trusted us. To us, trust is the highest compliment.

If you, like UVP, think relationships are important, either schedule a call with the Executive Director to chat about UVP happenings or become a monthly donor with UVP so you can build a lasting, sustainable impact in Iganga!

The Success of the Tippy Tap Campaign in Kinu

 by Shafic Mutegule, Program Coordinator

Amina greets us as we approach her home in our collective green shirts (we look so smart!). She is sitting beneath the mango tree, watching the children play while taking a well-deserved break after working all morning in her garden. Her feet are dirty, her eyes sparkling, and she wears an easy smile; she is grateful for our visit.

I’ve visited Amina a number of times throughout the two and a half years UVP has worked in Kinu. During those first visits, Amina and I discussed the importance of a proper latrine, so, when I returned a few months later, I was impressed to see the beginnings of a new pit latrine at her home. Now that the latrine is finished, we were there to talk about a tippy tap.

As we begin telling her our visit was regarding the “Tippy Tap for Every Household” campaign, Amina admits she already knew the purpose of our visit! Earlier in the week, VHT Sarah told Amina we were coming to visit households to help construct tippy tap handwashing stations for those who wanted one and Amina was likely to get a visit. As a result and much to our surprise, Amina already had the wood ready to construct a new tippy tap. So, that’s exactly what we did.

After constructing the tippy tap, I asked Amina why it was so easy for her to install a tippy tap at her home. She told me that during UVP’s time in the village, she had learned so much about handwashing, proper latrines, and other sanitation facilities from UVP staff that it was an obvious next step after she completed the improvements to her latrine. She was just waiting for the right time. “The education from UVP has been so helpful, especially during the pandemic,” Amina reflected. “UVP shares not only how to wash hands for better health, but why, which is really important to me. Thank you to UVP!”

Visit our website to learn more about UVP's many WASH activities!