AMREF is looking for a volunteer medical doctor for a temporary posting at Kitwe Health Centre in
Ntungamo District located in South West Uganda.
AMREF (African Medical & Research Foundation) is the world’s leading African non-governmental
health care organization. With headquarters, history and feet on the ground in Africa, AMREF has a
deep understanding of the local economic, social and cultural realities of African communities. For
over 50 years, AMREF has worked to ensure access to good health for the most vulnerable and
marginalized people in Africa. With their active involvement, we develop and implement innovative
and sustainable solutions to critical health challenges facing the continent.
AMREF Canada supports AMREF in Africa to address critical health challenges by raising funds,
providing project support, building capacity, raising awareness and engaging the Canadian public in
African health development.
In June 2005, AMREF was awarded the Gates Foundation Award for Global Health.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Duration of the position
Minimum of 3 months required
Skills and qualifications
• Recently graduated medical doctor; specialization in tropical medicine is preferred but not required
• Relevant qualifications in obstetric surgery
• Experience working in a developing country
• Hands-on mentality; excellent interpersonal and communicative skills; flexible attitude
• Willing to provide training and supervision to lower cadre staff
• Willing to work in difficult circumstances in a remote area of Uganda
• Willing to work long and often irregular hours
• Highly self-sustainable
Background
Although Uganda has made significant gains in the economy in the past decade with economic growth
sustained at about 6% and absolute poverty reduced from 52% in 1992/93 to 38% in 2003, the health
indices are still among the poorest in the world. The infant mortality rate is 88 per 1000 live births,
while under-five mortality rate is 152 per 1,000 live births. The maternal mortality ratio is 505 per
100,000 live births. In contrast, Canada’s infant mortality rate is 5 per 1,000 live births, while its
maternal mortality ratio is 7 per 100,000 live births. The total fertility rate is 6.9, and the average
population growth is 3.4%. Over 75% of premature deaths can be attributed to ten preventable
diseases and conditions related to pregnancy and child birth, malaria, respiratory infections and
diarrhoea. Only about 72% of the Ugandan population lives within 5 km of a health facility.
Kitwe Health Centre
Kitwe Health Centre sees approximately 2,000 patients a month. In the absence of a doctor, the
health centre is currently headed by a clinical officer. The health centre has two wards: the General
Ward and the Maternity Ward. Both are often overcrowded. Male and female patients and children
share the general ward. There is currently no consultation room. Additionally, Kitwe has a functional
theatre connected to a large generator but it is not operational due to the lack of a doctor and theatre
attendants (there is also no running water in the theatre). On occasion, the theatre is used for
outreach services when AMREF brings in qualified doctors to carry out activities. It has limited solar
power supply along with a generator. The laboratory has its own solar power system to run the light
microscopes and refrigerators and has sufficient equipment to carry out its tasks. Lastly, an
ambulance is available for referrals to the District hospital; however, patients often have to pay for
their own fuel (about 18 USD).
Working Conditions
1. Safety
The area in which the health centre is located is relatively safe. There is no civil war or ethnic conflicts.
The medical doctor will be part of the AMREF Flying Doctor Network, which provides evacuation
services by air in case of a medical emergency.
2. Housing
A fully-equipped and self-contained house with solar power is available at the compound of the health
centre.
3. Transport
A vehicle will be made available by the District to the medical doctor to visit nearby towns and/or
Kampala on a regular basis. Kampala is a 6-hour drive from the health centre. The town of Ntungamo
is about 1-hour from Kitwe.
4. Internet/mobile phone
There is currently no Internet available at the health centre, but the area is covered by a cellular
network. This means that it is possible to get online using a laptop.
5. Supervision
AMREF Uganda is responsible for regular supervision meetings (at least once per month). For medical
questions, the District Hospital can be contacted for advice and support. The District Health Officer is
also available for medical questions.
To apply:
Please email resume and cover letter to:
AMREF Canada, 489 College Street, Suite 407, Toronto, ON M6G 1A5
Contact: Anne-Marie Kamanye, Director of Programmes
Tel: 416-961-6981
E-mail: hr@amrefcanada.org
For more information visit www.amrefcanada.org and www.amref.org
A longer in-depth assessment on the community and Kitwe Health Centre is available upon request.
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