In the heart of Northern Uganda, where the echoes of history and culture intertwine, lies the community of Patiko. Known for its rich cultural heritage, fertile lands, and the annual Culture and Peace Festival held every 28th of Ja
nuary.
Patiko is where tradition meets the modern pursuit of harmony and well-being. This year, St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor was honored to receive a special and royal invitation from Rwot (Chief) Baptist Latim of Pawel delivered through his Cultural Health Minister, Ronald Okwei whose career started from St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor as a student in 1984 till 2003 when he left the hospital for other purposes.
The invitation was not just to participate in the festival but to play a pivotal role in addressing the health disparities faced by the community.
For years, the people of Patiko have struggled with limited access to healthcare due to poverty and the long distances to both private and government health facilities.
On February 20th, we made our first outreach visit to Patiko, Owoo, marking a significant milestone in our mission to serve the underserved. The day was filled with hope, compassion, and a shared vision for a healthier community.
Our team led by Moses Odongkara provided a range of critical services, including Antenatal Care: ensuring the health and well-being of expectant mothers and their unborn children, Immunization: protecting children from preventable diseases, Cervical Cancer Screening: empowering women with early detection and prevention, and Sickle Cell Screening: addressing the prevalent health concern in the area. In the end, we were able to test 58 people for HIV-RCT, 38 people for sickle cell, and 40 for cervical cancer. Mothers present went through Antenatal care, and children got immunized. 
The community’s response was overwhelming. Men, women, and children turned out in large numbers, embracing our initiative with gratitude and hope. For many, this was the first time they had access to such comprehensive healthcare services.
The smiles on their faces and the heartfelt expressions of appreciation reminded us why we do what we do.
This outreach is just the beginning. Our commitment to Patiko and its people is a heart of tornado compassion meeting the tsunami of healthcare disparities head-on.
Through this new outreach outpost, we aim to continue bridging the health gaps, empowering the community, and fostering a culture of peace and well-being.
At St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor, we believe that healthcare is not just about treating illnesses; it’s about building relationships, restoring hope, and creating a brighter future for all.
We are grateful to Rwot Baptist Latim, Health Minister Ronald Okwei, and the entire Patiko community for welcoming us with open arms. Together, we can achieve a healthier, more harmonious world.
Stay tuned as we continue this journey of service and solidarity. Here’s to many more days of healing, hope, and unity in Patiko and beyond.
St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor: Serving with Compassion, Building with Love.
