Kagando Hospital was designed with green spaces between the wards where patients and their relatives can sit under the shade of trees. The paths connecting the wards have corrugated iron roofs to give protection from the frequent rain, with big drainage channels on either side. In 2022 there were over 10,000 patients admitted to the hospital.

On the Male and Female Medical wards infection is a common reason for admission, with pneumonia, malaria, typhoid, TB, hepatitis, meningitis and HIV all seen frequently. Chronic lung disease is also a major problem especially in women – not generally as a result of smoking, but of cooking over smoky unventilated fires. Heart disease, strokes, diabetes and abdominal pain are all seen here, as well as patients with acute mental health crises and self poisoning.

On the Surgical ward some people are admitted for elective (planned) surgery but the majority are emergencies. There are a lot of injuries – fractures, crocodile bites, horrible soft tissue ulcers and infections – as well as prostate and bladder problems, and bowel perforations from ulcers or typhoid infection.

The Gynaecology ward had a huge blip of admissions in August for the Fistula camp. Women from all around the district came to be assessed by the local gynaecologist working with a visiting team of surgeons. Many had life transforming surgery for this complication of prolonged labour, which can cause incontinence and often leads to shame and rejection.

Bedding and food is not provided so relatives come and stay so the wards feel completely different from the UK with  large families sleeping between and even under the beds until they are banished by sister in charge when ward rounds get too noisy!

Ward round on medical ward
Junior doctors relaxing in the mess next to theatre