Ernest Cook University Joins Forces with the Kingdom of Buganda to Revolutionize Healthcare: Celebrates Prostate Cancer Awareness Month with a Trans-formative Health Camp
Prostate cancer has become a silent epidemic, claiming the lives of countless men globally. In Uganda, it ranks as the most common cancer among men, with a staggering age-standardized incidence rate of 41.6 per 100,000 and over 1,177 deaths annually. Low awareness, stigma, and limited access to diagnostic services, leave men vulnerable and often neglected.
But change is on the horizon, thanks to Ernest Cook University (ECUREI). As a trailblazer in advanced imaging, ECUREI is turning the tide in the fight against Prostate Cancer with innovative interventions designed to make high-quality diagnostic services more accessible to Ugandans. At its state-of-the-art facility in Mengo, ECUREI has deployed cutting-edge imaging technology to deliver accurate and reliable diagnoses for prostate-related conditions. These advancements not only enhance early detection but also empower men with the knowledge to take control of their health.
Through its commitment to breaking the barriers of stigma and inaccessibility, ECUREI is ensuring that no man is left behind in the fight against Prostate Cancer. With every image and diagnosis, ECUREI is not just treating a disease—it’s saving lives and rewriting the narrative for men’s health in Uganda.
State of the art ECUREI Diagnostic Imaging Centre
Winning through Strategic Partnerships
In a historic step toward improving community health, Ernest Cook University (ECUREI) has signed a transformative Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Kingdom of Buganda. This ground breaking partnership will provide over 5,000 free prostate and breast cancer screenings, bringing life-saving diagnostic services directly to the people through strategically organized health camps.
Speaking at the MOU signing ceremony, the Katikiro of Buganda, Owekitibwa Charles Peter Mayiga, lauded the collaboration as a game-changer for healthcare in the Kingdom. “We pride ourselves on working with professionals from ECUREI to accurately diagnose illnesses like prostate cancer and provide timely treatment,” he emphasized, highlighting the potential of the initiative to revolutionize health outcomes for thousands of residents.
With a shared mission to reduce cancer-related deaths and bridge gaps in healthcare access, ECUREI and the Kingdom of Buganda are leading the charge in making specialized Health services accessible and affordable to all. This partnership marks a new era of hope for communities, ensuring that early diagnosis and treatment are no longer out of reach.
ECUREI team meet the Katikiro(centre) for the MOU signing ceremony
Professor Michael Kawooya, the Vice Chancellor ECU-ECUREI underscored the critical importance of early detection in combating prostate and breast cancer, calling it a life-saving turning point. He encouraged the Kingdom of Buganda’s subjects and Ugandans at large to actively participate in health camps to access timely and essential diagnostic services.
Through this partnership with the Kingdom, ECUREI is set to not only offer free cancer screenings but also strengthen healthcare delivery by building the capacity of healthcare providers in ultrasound diagnostics. This initiative aims to improve maternal health outcomes and empower communities with quality diagnostic services. In addition to Cancer screening and maternal health interventions, the partnership extends to offering subsidized services in Physiotherapy, Early childhood development, and Nutrition assessments. These services are designed to address a wide range of health needs, ensuring holistic care and better health outcomes for the Kingdom’s subjects.
November Prostate Cancer Awareness-Health Camp
This year, ECUREI has championed the fight against prostate cancer by organizing a trans-formative health camp, targeting men over 40 years—the group most at risk. The camp has provided a range of free health services, including prostate cancer screening, breast cancer screening, nutrition and physiotherapy assessments, and early childhood development evaluations.
This year 671 people attended the medical camp.490 men received prostate screening and 128 had Prostatitis, while 78 presented with elevated prostate size.252 PSA tests were carried out and while 204 were normal,48 was abnormal.
181 breast cancer checkups were done.169 were normal and 12 were abnormal.148 clients received Physiotherapy assessments and 671 received Nutrition consultation and recommendation.
Prostate Cancer awareness talk before assessments and diagnosis
Musoke, one of the beneficiaries, shared his relief: “I thank ECUREI for organizing this camp to check us for prostate cancer. I have been worried, but I had no money.”
The initiative highlights the institution’s commitment to addressing health challenges through early detection and affordable diagnostic services. While fighting prostate-related ailments may seem daunting, ECUREI’s advanced imaging technology and community-focused interventions offer a beacon of hope.
By empowering communities with access to early diagnosis and preventive care, ECUREI is turning the tide in the battle against Prostate cancer and paving the way for healthier futures.