Program Duration
Summer Session: Three weeks (late May - Mid June)
Program Description
The UW-Madison Health and Disease in Uganda Field Experience is an intensive program that provides students in health-related disciplines the opportunity to learn about important health issues, including nutrition, maternal and child health, and infectious diseases. During the program, students will spend time in community-based health care centers and will visit hospitals, nutritional units, and schools. In addition, students interact with faculty, staff, and students from Makerere University, Mulago Hospital, and other institutions and non-governmental organizations. Throughout the program, participants will be introduced to the life, health, disease, and culture of Uganda.
Uganda is a landlocked country in East Africa with a population of 27.5 million people. Many languages are used in the country, with English as the official language. The program will be based at Makerere University in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda, with a population of 1.5 million.
The main campus of Makerere University, one of East and Central Africa’s premier institutes of higher learning, can be found in the Makerere Hill area of the City. Makerere University is Uganda’s largest university. It was first established as a technical school in 1922, and in 1963 it became the University of East Africa. Today, Makerere University has twenty-two faculties, institutes and schools offering programs for more than 30,000 undergraduates and 3,000 postgraduates.
Academics
During the prior Spring semester participants are required to take PHS 650: Health and Disease in Uganda (two credits) as a pre-requisite. Students will earn an additional three credits (PHS 650, Section 36 or PHS 642) after successful completion of the summer field program.
The course provides interdisciplinary perspectives on health, disease, and public health. Students will explore topics such as: major infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS, maternal health services, malnutrition in children, nursing, and traditional healing in Uganda.
A faculty member from UW-Madison will serve as Resident Director in Uganda. Students will also hear lectures from other UW-Madison faculty and from Professors at Makerere University.
Housing
Housing is included for the duration of the program. For the majority of the program, students will stay in Kampala. While in Kampala, students stay at a guesthouse, located on Makerere University’s campus. Facilities at the guesthouse include double rooms with attached bathrooms; furnishings are minimal. Most meals are provided. Students will spend one week living, learning and working with Makerere University health professional students and faculty in community health sites in Uganda with very basic facilities. Flexibility is required to thrive in this program!
Excursions and Activities
Students will visit hospitals, community health centers, nutritional units and schools, and will participate in home visits. The program will include cultural events and visits to scenic natural areas such as Lake Victoria, the Nile River and national parks. Past site visits have included: children orphanages, the Ministry of Health’s Natural Chemotherapeutics Research Labs, the US Embassy, the Kamwokya Christian Caring Community clinic and school, the Infectious Disease Institute, a wildlife education center, and various hospital and clinics.