INTRODUCTION:
Founded in 2018, the Queen Elizabeth Medical Foundation (QEMF) is a dynamic and community-focused non-profit organization based in Uganda. Committed to improving the health, education, and livelihoods of vulnerable populations, QEMF operates primarily in Sweswe Zone, Kyaka II refugee settlement and in Kanungu district, with a particular emphasis on serving the HIV infected and affected populations in communities near the Queen Elizabeth National Park and new refugee arrivals at Matanda Reception Centre.
QEMF’s mission is rooted in the belief that every individual deserves access to quality healthcare, education, and opportunities for economic empowerment. With this guiding principle, the organization works tirelessly to address the multifaceted challenges faced by marginalized communities, including poverty, inadequate healthcare access, and limited educational opportunities.
At the heart of QEMF’s initiatives is a commitment to maternal and child health (MCH), recognizing the critical importance of ensuring the well-being of mothers and children for the overall health and prosperity of communities. Through targeted programs and interventions, QEMF seeks to reduce maternal mortality, improve access to essential healthcare services for mothers and children, and promote healthy behaviors within Sweswe Zone, Kyaka II refugee settlement communities and Kanungu district.
In addition to its MCH initiatives, QEMF places a strong emphasis on education as a pathway to empowerment and socioeconomic development. The organization works to improve access to quality education for children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS, providing scholarships, school supplies, and vocational training opportunities to ensure that every child has the chance to reach their full potential.
QEMF’s approach to community development is holistic, addressing not only health and education but also nutrition (Backyard Gardening), livelihoods and economic empowerment. Through initiatives such as skills training in cottage industries (Liquid soap making, Bakery and Tailoring), entrepreneurship support, and microfinance programs (Saving and internal Lending groups), QEMF empowers individuals and families to break free from the cycle of poverty and build sustainable livelihoods.
Collaboration and partnership are central to QEMF’s work, and the organization actively seeks to engage with local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to maximize impact and reach. By leveraging collective expertise and resources, QEMF aims to create lasting change and transform the lives of those most in need especially Orphans and Other vulnerable children and adolescents living with HIV/AIDS in Sweswe Zone, Kyaka II Refugee Settlement and Kanungu district.
Driven by a passionate and dedicated team of staff and volunteers, QEMF is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement and Kanungu district. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and community ownership, QEMF continues to strive towards its vision of a healthier, more prosperous future for all
MISSION: To provide high-quality family-centered health care, education, livelihood, and protect the rights of children in Uganda.
VISION; A Charitable Organization aimed at creating a world of harmony where the children, youth and the most vulnerable can appreciate life through good health, economic empowerment, education, protection, and livelihood
MOTTO: “Restoring hope to the vulnerable.”
OBJECTIVES:
- Promote education for all children.
- Enhance maternal and child health.
- Advocate for children’s rights.
- Facilitate skills development and economic empowerment among youth.
- Support and care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC).
- Protect wildlife and prevent wildlife crime.
CORE VALUES:
- Transparency
- Confidentiality
- Accountability
- Teamwork
THEMATIC AREAS OF INTERVENTION:
- HEALTH PROMOTION
QEMF works to improve maternal health and community health by providing medical resources and education. QEMF provide community based prenatal and postnatal care for pregnant women, including counseling, health check-ups, and access to maternal supplements, distribution of mama kits, increase facility ANC attendance and safe delivery by conducting community sensitization and dialogues, nutrition screening, family planning, linkage and referral.
QEMF organize community awareness campaigns to prevent the spread of communicable and non communicable diseases like malaria, cholera, MD, HTN and HIV/AIDS/TB and distribution of preventive materials and timely community- facility referral of patients for better management.
- LIVELIHOOD PROGRAMS
QEMF implements economic strengthening interventions to improve the livelihoods of OVC households. These programs aim to empower families and help them become self-sustaining. This is a major component specially to support refugees and the host community utilizes the available land through Parma gardens and regenerative agricultural practices such as mulching to improve access to quality fresh fruits and vegetables in the lens of climatic changes. Provide participants with necessary resources and inputs, including vegetable seeds and tools, we aim to promote food security and reduce malnutrition rates among families affected by HIV/AIDS, ultimately improving their overall health outcomes and quality of life.
- CHILD EDUCATION AND PROTECTION
It has been observed that Orphans and other Vulnerable Children (OVC) fall victims of circumstances like sexual harassment, food denial, child labour and their health is deprived there QEMF implements community based Child Protection awareness and Advocacy Program focused on building capacity among community members, raising awareness about child rights, and fostering collaboration to create safe and supportive environments for children. Support monitoring and reporting incidents of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation, ensuring timely intervention and support for affected children and families
We prioritize providing school supplies to children and adolescents affected by HIV/AIDS, enabling them to access quality education and stay in school. Conduct school-based counseling sessions aim to address stigma and discrimination, fostering a supportive learning environment for vulnerable students
- COMMUNITY BASED PROTECTION (CBP):
QEMF conducts sensitization campaigns and dialogues on various issues that affect the community such as sexual and gender-based violence, child protection, aiming to raise awareness and empower community members to report and response to child protection concerns. QEMF also constructs semi-permanent houses for orphans and vulnerable children, providing them with safe and secure living environments.
- REFERRALS AND LINKAGES.
Referrals and linkages are key components of the Queen Elizabeth Medical Foundation’s approach to providing comprehensive and effective support to vulnerable children and families. The foundation collaborates with local healthcare providers, educational institutions, and social services to refer individuals and families in need to appropriate resources and services. This includes medical care, legal counseling, educational support, and other essential services. QEMF fosters strong partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and other non-profits to create a network of support for the communities it serves.
- WOMEN AND GIRLS EMPOWERMENT:
QEMF recognizes the importance of empowering women and girls for sustainable development. We address issues such as gender-based violence (GBV), teenage pregnancies, and child marriage through advocacy, education, and economic empowerment initiatives. We contribute to a more equitable society by promoting gender equality and providing opportunities for women and girls to thrive.
QEMF strength is not only promotion gender equality but also improving the Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) of young people to substantially reduce unwanted pregnancies, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV infection, high unmet need for family planning and knowledge gap on menstrual hygiene management (MHM) among this segment of the population
RESPONSE TO COVID-19:
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges, including poverty and barriers to education and healthcare. QEMF has responded by supporting vulnerable children, especially those affected by HIV/AIDS, to access education and essential services. By providing financial assistance, psychosocial support, and essential supplies, QEMF strives to mitigate the pandemic’s impact on the most vulnerable communities.
APPROACH AND PARTNERSHIPS
QEMF adopts a community-centered approach, working closely with local leaders, stakeholders, and beneficiaries. Volunteers, trained in child protection, wildlife conservation, and gender equality, play a crucial role in implementing programs and facilitating behavior change. Through partnerships with local governments, NGOs, and international agencies, QEMF maximizes its impact and sustainability.
