Safe Lira Campaign: Medical Students Taking Action for a Healthier Tomorrow

A recent October 30, 2024, article in The Daily Monitor painted a sobering picture: Lira City has become a distressing HIV hotspot, with infection rates among youth climbing to 12.5%. For many, this statistic may be a jolt, but for some of us in the medical community, it ignited a call to action. We were reminded that our responsibility to heal extends beyond our textbooks and future clinics—it reaches right into the heart of our communities.

Recognizing the urgency of this issue, three of my dedicated colleagues, Abolton Tumwijukye, Dissan Muhoozi, and Trevor Tumusime, spearheaded the Safe Lira Campaign. Their goal was simple yet monumental: tackle the health crisis in Lira by starting with those who need guidance most—our young people. With fervent determination, these three mobilized a group of 50 medical students from Kampala International University (KIU) and pooled together resources for an outreach program at Top Star Secondary School in Lira City. In a testament to the strength of community, this initiative was made possible by support from generous donors and self-raised funds that allowed us to reach hundreds of students.

On November 8, 2024, around 15 of us—medical students, but also passionate advocates—gathered at Top Star SS for a day that would be etched in memory. Our mission? To change lives through knowledge and empowerment. Over the course of the day, we rolled out a comprehensive session on sexual health education, equipping students with knowledge on HIV prevention, safe sex practices, and the long-term health impacts of risky behaviors.

Following this, we conducted a health talk centered around HIV—an open dialogue that allowed students to ask questions and voice concerns, breaking down the stigma surrounding this disease. But we didn’t stop there. Understanding the complex aspirations that many young people in Lira hold, we concluded the day with an intensive career guidance session, offering students the tools to envision futures they may have never dared to imagine before.

The ripple effect of initiatives like Safe Lira is powerful. It reminds us, as medical students, that our hands are already healing hands. Through education, compassion, and leadership, we have the capacity to be more than just future doctors—we can be active advocates and catalysts for change right here and now.

Looking ahead, Safe Lira is already planning more outreach programs. Our goal is to bring even greater resources to schools across Lira City, continuing to support and empower youth at every opportunity. To make this a reality, we’re inviting anyone who believes in our cause to contribute to our campaign. Donations can be made via MTN with code 728386 or Airtel with code 6676088.

To my fellow medical students, I have this to say: imagine if each of us returned to our communities and began something—no matter how small—that addressed a local need. Imagine the impact we could collectively have, from the hills of Kabale to the streets of Gulu. Our communities need us, and we are more than capable of leading the change.

If every medical school in Uganda had students initiating community campaigns like Safe Lira, we’d be reaching thousands of young people every month—each conversation a chance to save a life, each health talk a step closer to eradicating preventable diseases. If every one of us answered this call to action, the number of lives we could impact each year would be the equivalent of rescuing an entire town, saving the population of a small city annually. Just think—if we all did our part, we could create a force of change so powerful it would echo across generations, reshaping the health and future of our nation.

To All Medical Students and Organizations Making a Difference:

If you’re leading or part of a program that empowers others through knowledge, health education, or any initiative that strengthens your community, I’d love to connect and learn from each other’s experiences. Together, we can expand our impact and inspire more positive change. Please feel free to reach out to me via email; robertanamakula@gmail.com —I’d be honored to hear about your work, share it on my platform, and explore ways we can collaborate.