Stichting Interplast Holland

26 Achieving lasting success in UgandaInformation session in slum areaWhat’s the next step?Unfortunately, we have had to cancel the burns symposiumplanned for this year because of the financial situation. UnicefUganda and the Uganda Red Cross Society were contactedwith a view to proceeding further with the Burn PreventionProject in Uganda. Both organisations were impressed bythe figures, particularly those for the burns victims agedunder five (60 to 70% of which are caused by hot water).They occur mostly close to cooking stoves, and can thusbe prevented successfully.Both organisations adopted our view that burn preventioncan easily be incorporated into their existing programmes.Marjo gave the Burn Prevention Officers a crash course onhow to train the trainers. They will go on to train Red Crossvolunteers in providing specific information about burnprevention. Burn prevention will also be included in Unicef’sChild Protection and Adult Education programme. Havingheld such positive progress talks, contact will be continuedby email from now on.Continuing the Burn Prevention ProgrammeWe must try and ensure that the projects in the slumareas and in the schools continue for another sixmonths or so for continuity’s sake. No more than 50to 60 sessions per month can take place within thisperiod. A budget for this will need to be found.Unfortunately, we can no longer count on the DutchBurns Foundation for this. We were told that WelslyBhoda had resigned as director in connection withdifferences of opinion with the Board regarding foreignpolicy.Community Based Rehabilitation AllianceWe met Barbara Batesaki, the Executive Directorof Community Based Rehabilitation Alliance, anindigenous NGO dedicated to the empowermentof people with disabilities which cooperates closelywith the Health ministry.She was also very interested in the Burn PreventionProgramme. It would be possible for our dischargedburns patients to be tracked and checked by herorganisation when they return to their villages.All we need to do is give the name of the villageand a short medical record. This would be awelcome solution to the difficult follow-up ofburns victims in Uganda.