By Ambrose Gahene
The Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) Second Vice President, Mr. Manoj Shah in the company of Past International director of LCIF, Aruna Abhey Oswal, have pledged their continued support to Mulago National Referral Hospital children cancer ward and the Lions sustainable nutrition Mwanamugimu project at the hospital.
Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport aboard Kenya Airways on Wednesday at 9.00 am, the duo were received by Ms. Allen Naturinda, Lions Club Uganda District 411B President, Lion Dr. Dan Naturinda, the Area Leader of Lions Clubs International Foundation and other Lions Club members.
At Mulago Hospital, Ms. Oswal inaugurated the Aruna Ahey Oswal Trust children playground at the children cancer ward.
“Let’s have more collaboration between partners in treatment of cancer in children because it’s not important to go to heaven when we die, but to work for the way to go to heaven when we are still alive”, she said.
She said the children’s playground is intended to support the therapy and psychosocial support while they undergo treatment.
She also paid a visit to Mwanamugimu Lions sustainable nutrition project and UV treated drinking water system at the hospital and pledged more support. The pilot project, dubbed; “Kampala Generations Farms Club”, grows a variety of green vegetables, bananas and tomatoes among others. The project, according to Lions Club members, benefits children with cancer and improves their nutrition.
The Cancer Children Ward is jointly supported by Aruna Abhey Oswal Trust, Texas children hospital, Global HOPE Program, Mulago National Referral Hospital and Lions Clubs International Foundation.
Lions Club District 411B has 67 clubs with over 2700 individual members. Lions club has made tremendous strides in the provision of humanitarian support to Ugandan vulnerable communities.
“These humanitarian activities include; diabetes and eyesight screening health camps and tree planting campaigns to conserve the environment among others”, said Israel Manzi, Kampala Central senior Lions Club member.