Planning your elective--Uganda
BMJ 2002; 325 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/sbmj.0208287 (Published 01 August 2002) Cite this as: BMJ 2002;325:0208287
- Mark Wilson, author of the Medics Guide to Work and Electives around the World1
- 1University College Hospital, London
Uganda, a former British colony, has had relatively good economic growth since democracy in 1986. It is still a very poor country, however, and in the north problems with rebel attacks and ambushes prevail. HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis are all very common.
Medicine
HIV infection is a major problem, although recent data show a reduction in the prevalence in pregnant women. About 1.5 million people in the country are thought to be HIV positive. Prevalence can reach 30% in some city areas. In rural areas it can be 15%, so always be very careful and use universal precautions when doing procedures. As of 2000, 55 000 cases of AIDS have been reported. The ratio of male to female cases is 1:1.2.1
Other common conditions are tuberculosis, malaria, measles, trauma, and gastrointestinal …
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