In the heart of Gulu District, a quiet revolution is underway to save the lives of the most vulnerable- children under five years old who face severe illness. The Smart Discharge project, spearheaded by Walimu, is more than just a health program; it is a lifeline for families struggling to keep their young ones safe after leaving the hospital.
Despite the best medical care at places like St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor, nearly 10% of children still tragically die at home after discharge. Dr. Opar Bernard, Program Director at Walimu, reveals that several factors contribute to these heart-breaking losses: Parents escaping with their children from the hospital before full recovery, children being taken to their grandparents’ homes without fully recovering, sharing prescribed medicine, and outright neglect.
Dr. Opar Bernard (Director of Programs, Walimu) with his team and Nurses from Lacor Hospital discussing the impact of smart discharge.
Understanding these challenges, Walimu embarked on a mission and launched Smart Discharge with a clear vision to dramatically reduce under-five mortality by ensuring continuous care beyond hospital walls. Central to this effort are the Village Health Teams (VHTs), the frontline heroes who have been specially trained to bridge the gap between hospital care and home recovery. In Gulu alone, about 326 VHTs are now actively tracking and supporting mothers and their children post-discharge, visiting homes to check on the child’s health and provide vital guidance.
Recognizing the busy environment of St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor, where health workers are often overwhelmed by the volume of patients, Smart Discharge introduced an innovative tool: a television screen in the hospital that continuously broadcasts health education messages. This ensures that mothers and caregivers receive important information on how to care for their children even during their hospital visits, empowering them with knowledge that could save lives.
Smart Discharge is more than a project – it is a beacon of hope that brings education, follow-up and care right into the community. Through the dedication of Walimu, the trained VHTs, and supportive health facilities, a future where fewer children under five lose their lives is becoming a reality.
Walimu’s vision is clear and unwavering: to reduce under-five mortality and give every child the chance to grow, thrive, and live a healthy life.
