More than 300 residents turned up for free medical care at the Ggaba Road Corridor Rotary Cancer Run Activation Medical Camp in Buziga last week, underscoring both the demand for affordable healthcare and the importance of early disease screening. Held at the Buziga Islamic Centre Grounds on July 16, the outreach brought doctors, nurses and volunteers together to provide free screening, treatment and health education for conditions ranging from malaria and HIV to several forms of cancer and sickle cell disease. By the end of the day, demand had exceeded expectations, with all the medicines available at the camp exhausted. The turnout reflected a challenge familiar to many Ugandans: routine health checks are often delayed because of the cost of treatment, meaning illnesses are frequently detected only after symptoms become severe. District Governor Nominee Peter Kagwa, who officiated at the event, urged Ugandans to make regular medical check-ups part of their lives, saying early diagnosis gives patients a better chance of successful treatment. The camp offered free screening for malaria, syphilis, prostate, breast and cervical cancers, typhoid, hepatitis B and C, HIV, tuberculosis, blood sugar levels and sickle cell disease. Patients also received medical consultations, treatment and referrals where further care was needed. Cancer screening emerged as one of the day’s most significant outcomes. Forty-five women underwent cervical cancer screening. Forty-two tested negative, while three were found to have abnormalities and were immediately referred for further medical evaluation and treatment. Another 52 women received breast cancer examinations, while 120 men were screened for prostate cancer. One man tested positive and was referred for specialised follow-up care. Although the number of positive cases was relatively small, health workers say such screenings are important because cancers are often easier and less expensive to treat when detected early, before they spread. The camp also focused on sickle cell disease, an inherited blood disorder that affects thousands of Ugandan families. A total of 128 people were screened. Of these, 103 had normal haemoglobin (AA), 24 were found to carry the sickle cell trait (AS), while one person was diagnosed with sickle cell disease (SS). Three people already living with the condition received counselling, and two others benefited from psychosocial support to help them manage the challenges associated with the disease. Beyond medical tests, residents received practical advice on nutrition, disease prevention and healthy living, giving families information they could use long after the camp had ended. Beatrice Sekabembe Juuko, president of the Rotary Club of Buziga, said the outreach was designed to make healthcare more accessible while encouraging people to seek preventive care instead of waiting until they become seriously ill. “We are especially happy to see so many members of our community here today. This event is for you. We want to bring healthcare closer to you, encourage regular medical check-ups, and remind everyone that early screening can save lives,” she said. She urged residents to make full use of the services provided. “Today, you will receive free medical services, including general health check-ups, cancer screening and awareness, nutrition education, sickle cell screening, and other health services. We encourage you to use these services, ask questions, and learn how to take better care of your health and the health of your families,” she said. Sekabembe said Rotary would continue working with hospitals, health professionals, sponsors and other partners to improve access to healthcare. “At Rotary, we are committed to serving our communities. That is why we work together with hospitals, health professionals, sponsors and other partners to organise activities like this. We believe that healthy communities are stronger communities,” she said. She also thanked the medical professionals, volunteers and sponsors whose support made the outreach possible. The medical camp marked the start of activities leading to the 2026 Rotary Cancer Run, scheduled for August 30. Funds raised through the annual event will support the construction of the Rotary Cancer Centre at Nsambya, a project aimed at expanding access to cancer treatment in Uganda. “Every Cancer Run kit purchased helps raise funds for the construction of the Rotary Cancer Centre at Nsambya, bringing quality cancer care closer to the people who need it most,” Sekabembe said. Residents who attended the camp welcomed the initiative, saying it enabled many people to receive healthcare they would otherwise have struggled to afford. “This medical camp has given us hope. Most of us only visit a health facility when we are seriously ill because treatment is expensive. Today we have been examined, treated and advised by professional health workers free of charge. I hope more organisations can organise such outreaches because they save lives,” one community member said.The post Free health camp uncovers hidden illnesses appeared first on The Observer Media Ltd.