The Rotary Club of Jinja, under the leadership of its President, conducted an official visit to St. Francis Hospital Mbiko to initiate a transformative community health project. The initiative, carried out in partnership with the Rotary Club of Sidmouth, United Kingdom, aims to empower the hospital to produce its own hernia mesh, ensuring affordable and sustainable hernia repair services for the surrounding community.

The project is supported by Hernia International, a UK-based humanitarian charity organization dedicated to improving surgical care in low-resource settings. Representing Hernia International at the event was Dr. Mukalazi Henry Garvin, who commended the collaboration between the Rotary Clubs and the hospital for their commitment to addressing a critical healthcare need.

During the visit, the hospital’s directors and staff warmly welcomed the delegation, expressing gratitude for the initiative’s potential to enhance local surgical capacity and reduce the cost of hernia treatment. The project is expected to provide training, equipment, and materials necessary for the hospital to manufacture high-quality, affordable hernia mesh locally.

The Rotary Club of Jinja and its partners reaffirmed their dedication to service above self, emphasizing that the project aligns with Rotary’s mission to promote health, strengthen communities, and create lasting change. The partnership between the local and international Rotary Clubs, together with Hernia International, marks a significant step toward improving access to essential surgical care in the Jinja region.