Florence and Grace

Florence was a young lady who arrived at Kiwoko Hospital having been referred from a local Health Care facility because of a complication during labour. Her journey to Kiwoko was about 80 km and involved coming over some very poor roads. Sadly Florence’s situation is not untypical for a Ugandan lady – she was HIV +ve, she already had 5 children and lived a considerable distance from a good healthcare provider.

Her baby – Grace – was born at Kiwoko but weighed only 2kg at birth. Grace was immediately transferred to our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. She remained on the NICU for 3 weeks where she received round the clock care and treatment.

Florence was admitted as an in-patient as she remained extremely weak. She deteriorated further and subsequently sadly died at the hospital.

Kiwoko Hospital has a close relationship with New Hope Orphanage just a few kilometres away from Kiwoko. New Hope agreed to take Grace into their baby unit when she was strong enough to leave the hospital. She is now brought back regularly to the NICU for assessment as she grows and then at 18 months she will be tested for HIV.

The story of Florence and Grace is a mixed one – it reflects the reality of life in Uganda where for many life is hard with a life expectancy of only about 45 years. However because of the care provided by Kiwoko Grace’s life was saved and for her she has a real hope for the future.

Every day similar people are receiving such care from Kiwoko…