Refugees in settlements utilize the same health and water facilities as the local host population.
Facility Standards and Oversight:
- Each health facility in the settlement follows the Ministry of Health’s guidelines and reports to the Ministry through the District Health Office.
- Health partners actively participate in the District Health Management Team (DHMT), and facilities are supervised by the District Health Officer (DHO).
Referral Health Facilities:
- Refugees have access to referral health facilities both within and outside the district at no cost.
Accessing Healthcare Services:
Free Services: Most healthcare services in government and partner-operated facilities are accessible to refugees at no charge.
- Preference for Government and UNHCR-Supported Facilities:
- Private health facilities may require fees; hence, refugees are encouraged to utilize government and UNHCR-supported partner-run health facilities for their healthcare needs.
This system ensures that refugees living in settlements have access to healthcare services and facilities per Ministry of Health guidelines, allowing for cost-free access to the most essential healthcare services provided by the government and partner organizations.
UNHCR in Uganda works with organisations and the District’s local governments to deliver health services. Look for your location below and find our which organisation can help you:
| Location | Organisation | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Adjumani, Palorinya, Kyangwali, Kyaka II, Rwamwanja, Nakivale, Oruchinga Settlements | Medical Teams International (MTI) | Here |
| Palabek, Bidibidi, Rhino Camp, Imvepi, Kiryandongo Settlements | International Rescue Committee (IRC) | Here |
| Lobule Settlement | District Local Government |
What to do during a health emergency?
Contact the Village Health Team (VHT):
If there’s a health emergency, call or find the closest Village Health Team (VHT) member. You can do that either by phone or in person.
- As soon as you move to your settlement, a VHT member will be designated to help you.
How Emergencies are Handled:
- Each health facility in the area covers specific places.
- Emergencies are reported to the nearest health facility through the village health system.
- Ambulances are sent for critical cases to take you or your family member to the nearest health centre for an evaluation.
If the Local Health Facility Can’t Help:
- If the nearby health centre can’t treat you or your family member, they’ll send you to the closest district or regional hospital.
- For really serious cases that can’t be handled in the region, you may need to go to Kampala for advanced care.
This system helps manage emergencies by starting with the local health team and then moving patients to higher-level care if needed.
Please note that ALL services delivered by UNHCR and partners, including registration, are provided for FREE.
