Challenges Facing Forcibly Displaced Persons (FDPs) with Chronic Diseases in Northern Uganda: Insights from Makerere University Research
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Preliminary findings in a recent study conducted by the Child Health and Development Centre (CHDC) at Makerere Universit shed light on the numerous obstacles encountered by Forcibly Displaced Persons (FDPs) in northern Uganda who suffer from chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. These challenges, ranging from access to essential resources like food, water, and medicine to inadequate healthcare facilities, significantly impact the health and well-being of affected individuals.
According to Dr. Ritah Nakanjako and Dr. Esther Nanfuka Kalule, post-doc fellows at Makerere University, FDPs with chronic diseases face difficulties accessing facilities providing essential medicines. During the monthly colloquium of CHDC held in February, Dr. Nanfuka highlighted issues such as medication shortages, forgetfulness among patients, and disruptions in healthcare continuity due to frequent relocations. These disruptions often exacerbate their existing health conditions, leading to further complications.
Dr. Nakanjako emphasized the need to address non-communicable diseases (NCDs) within humanitarian settings, citing studies that reveal a high prevalence of NCDs among refugees worldwide. With Uganda hosting over 1.5 million refugees, primarily from South Sudan, the management of chronic diseases in such contexts remains a pressing concern. The research aims to explore the experiences of FDPs with chronic illnesses, offering insights into innovative approaches to healthcare delivery in resource-constrained settings.
Funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation under the Mobility-Global Medicine and Research Fund, this five-year study commenced in 2022 and involves collaboration between Makerere University, the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, and the Sudan Centre for Strategic and Policy Studies in South Sudan. The research sites include reception centers and refugee settlements in Uganda and South Sudan, where FDPs’ challenges with chronic diseases are investigated.
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Among the challenges identified by FDPs with chronic illnesses are concerns about maintaining adequate hydration during travel, limited access to specialized healthcare upon arrival at reception centers, and the scarcity of essential medications like insulin. Unlike those with communicable diseases, individuals with chronic illnesses often receive insufficient attention and support, exacerbating their health vulnerabilities.
The study underscores the urgent need for tailored interventions to address the unique healthcare needs of FDPs with chronic diseases, particularly in humanitarian settings. By amplifying the voices of affected individuals and identifying gaps in current healthcare provision, this research aims to inform policy and practice, ultimately improving the quality of care for vulnerable populations in northern Uganda and beyond.
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