Proposer: Professor Jonathan Sandy, Professor of Orthodontics and Associate Dean, School of Oral & Dental Sciences.
Katie and Ruth have set up a dental Non-Governmental Organisation called Mwenda Uganda to provide mobile medical and dental clinics for communities in rural areas of Uganda who do not have adequate access to healthcare. Mwenda means ‘smile’ in the local language of Uganda. They have raised funds totalling £5,500 and have assisted with projects in Uganda to help orphans, unemployed youth and the elderly and have also encouraged others to fundraise and volunteer for the project. The organisation achieved Non-Governmental Organisation status in Uganda in 2011.
Katie and Ruth recently completed their elective project and attended the launch of the NGO and third clinic whereby dental extractions, antibiotics, painkillers, HIV testing and blood pressure testing services were all provided for free. The equipment for the clinic was purchased from Dentaid and transported by the UK team. The long term aim is to use the equipment to set up a permanent clinic in Uganda. The equipment for the clinic was purchased and transported as part of Katie and Ruth’s project.
Their proposer says: The long term aim of their work is to set up a permanent clinic in Uganda and this is what Katie and Ruth will be focusing their efforts on whilst completing their final year and on into their careers.