Mengo Hospital’s HIV/AIDS Clinic in Kampala, Uganda

Mengo Hospital’s HIV/AIDS Clinic began in 1989 with 69 registered patients. There are now over 13,000 HIV+ patients on the register of the clinic and more than 1600 are receiving antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. With the completion of the new facilities, the clinic is seeing over 200 patients a day. This overwhelming demand for treatment presents a financial burden on the operating budget of the hospital, as these patients are often unable to pay fees for medical services.

Dr. Harold Foster and Dr. Jim Sparling conducted a double-blinded controlled  trial from May 2005 through October 2006 with 310 patients, all HIV-positive. Through the trial, patients were able to have access to free nutrient supplementation which has been proven effective in reducing symptoms and prolonging life. As research, medications and lifestyle changes improve, the quality of life is enhanced and prolonged for those receiving treatment. The AIDS clinic provides medical diagnosis, care and treatment for those with HIV/AIDS, as well as counseling, spiritual support, education and home care. The availability of medications to treat opportunistic infections has made a significant impact on the quality of life for this group of Ugandans.