Vaka Health Foundation: Nominee for the Change-Maker Award for a Not-For-Profit or Charity Organisation, 2024 Africa Award
By AAMEG | 2 September 2024
About the Nominee & their Nomination
In the heart of Africa, where millions of women suffer in silence, Vaka Health Foundation is shining a light on a debilitating condition that has long been misunderstood and overlooked. Since May 2021, this Australian-based not-for-profit has been on a mission to transform the lives of women affected by endometriosis, with a primary focus on Uganda and Zimbabwe, and a vision to reach across the entire African continent.
Endometriosis, an incurable gynaecological condition affecting up to one in seven women worldwide, poses unique challenges in Africa. Limited awareness, insufficient medical training, and cultural taboos have left millions of women without proper diagnosis or support. In Uganda alone, an estimated 2.3 to 3.2 million women may be affected, with similarly staggering numbers across the continent.
Vaka Health Foundation’s flagship initiative, the PanAfrican Endometriosis Wellness Centre (PAEWC), is a groundbreaking approach to addressing this crisis.
Led by Grace Nagawa, Co-Founder and CEO of Endometriosis Foundation Uganda, the PAEWC is more than just a medical facility – it’s a lifeline for women who have long suffered in isolation.
The PAEWC’s multi-faceted approach includes:
- A virtual platform and mobile app providing 24/7 access to information, support, and telehealth services
- Physical centres in Uganda and Zimbabwe, with plans for expansion
- Community outreach programs in schools and villages
- Training for medical professionals in diagnosing and treating endometriosis, including the use of transvaginal ultrasound scanners for early detection
- Entrepreneur workshops empowering women to start their own businesses
What sets Vaka Health Foundation’s initiative apart is its comprehensive, culturally sensitive approach. By combining grassroots outreach with cutting-edge technology, they’re not just treating a medical condition – they’re changing societal perceptions and empowering women to take control of their health and lives.
The impact of their work is already evident:
- Over 300 women have joined the ‘Endo Warrior’ community, finding support and understanding
- A recent 3-day outreach program reached 600 students across four schools in Uganda, identifying early symptoms in 1 in 11 girls
- Successful entrepreneur workshops have led to the creation of businesses like an ice cream shop run by “Endo Entrepreneurs,” with profits supporting the Endometriosis Foundation Uganda
- Innovative solutions like animations by Phina Films are breaking down language barriers in educating about the disease
Vaka Health Foundation’s work extends beyond medical care. They’re addressing the broader societal impacts of endometriosis, including relationship breakdowns, infertility stigma, and economic challenges faced by women unable to maintain full-time employment due to their symptoms.
The foundation’s vision for the future is ambitious. Plans are underway for the construction of a comprehensive PAEWC facility in Kampala, Uganda, which will serve as a model for similar centres across Africa. They’re also expanding their reach through partnerships with universities, hospitals, and mining companies operating in Africa. A key partnership with Earth Exploration Pty Ltd has been instrumental in supporting the development of this initiative from its inception.
In a continent where women’s health issues often go unaddressed, Vaka Health Foundation is not just breaking the silence on endometriosis – they’re orchestrating a symphony of change. By empowering women with knowledge, support, and access to care, they’re not only improving individual lives but also contributing to the broader goals of gender equality, economic empowerment, and community health across Africa.
As Peter Williams, Chairperson of Vaka Health Foundation, puts it, “It is the silent disease, but with the PanAfrican Wellness Centre, and the work of Grace Nagawa, it will be silent no more.”
In a world where every woman’s voice and health matters, Vaka Health Foundation is ensuring that millions of African women are finally being heard and helped.