Trauma Counseling Support For Refugees In Uganda

Uganda was recently hit by a second wave of COVID-19.  Authorities in our nation had implemented strict lockdown measures to stop the spread of the virus, alleviate overun medical facilities and ultimately try to save lives. 

The rise of COVID-19 infections and the lockdown measures implemented have impacted the refugee community where I Live Again Uganda provides its services. Suicide rates have risen.  I Live Again Uganda has been working with other organizations to bring greater awareness and prevention of this concerning need.  Hope seemed to be lost.... but thanks to our donors and partners hope is now on the rise!

The past month, I Live Again Uganda has been working hard to bring education, awareness and mental health support to the refugee community. 

Here are the few things that our team has been up to the last while....

• RADIO PROGRAMS & COMMUNITY DIALOGUES

I Live Again Uganda worked with a local radio station and brought together local leaders and medical professionals to bring education and awareness of COVID-19 in the area.  The Community Dialoges were held in the refugee and host communities and encouraged their participation to share challenges they were facing in this pandemic as well as the lockdown.  These dialogues were recorded and aired on the local radio station as well. Topics covered were the challenges of Home Based Care of COVID-19 Infected Family/Community Members, Challenges of Closed Schools/Education and The Rise of Teenage Pregnancy

• DISTRIBUTION OF FACE MASKS

I Live Again Uganda has distributed over 600 face masks in the refugee and host community.  More masks have been ordered and are currently being made for distribution to those we serve.

• DISTRIBUTION OF HAND SANITZER

I Live Again Uganda has provided 40 large bottles of hand sanitizer to the refugee and host communities, health facilities, local government offices in the region.

• DISTRIBUTION OF SOAP

I Live Again Uganda has provided 2125 bars of soap (large bars) to refugees and those in the host community.  We are still distributiing more soap and will continue to do so in the coming weeks at our programs in the refugee settlement.

• DISTRIBUTION OF LIQUID SOAP

I Live Again Uganda has provided 1000 liters of Liquid Soap to refugee and host communities.  These include distribution to health facilities and local government offices.

• SUPPORT FOR VILLAGE HEALTH WORKERS

I Live Again Uganda has engaged, supported, counseled and encouraged 40 Village Health Workers in the refugee settlement and host community.  These village health workers are first on the scene when a challenge occurs in their area.  They are also designated to bring awareness of COVID-19 and counseling to families who may have a COVID-19 positive member.  Their work is challenging.  I Live Again Uganda was able to give them some much needed encouragement during this time.

• MENTAL HEALTH/ COUNSELING PROGRAMS

I Live Again Uganda has been tasked by the governement to provide Trauma Counseling Programs in the targeted areas of the refugee settlement where suicide rates have increased.  Our team are on the ground right now igniting hope once again!

"I feel free now!" Refugee From South Sudan commented after I Live Again Uganda Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Program.   After years of war and running to Uganda for refuge, the pandemic and lockdowns have only added to the mental health needs of refugees here in Uganda.  But, hope is now alive as our team are back on the ground igniting hope wherever they go!

Thank you to our friends and partners that stand with us!  We cannot do what we do without your generous support.

May God bless you!