Woman in Bwindi in ankle chains due to mental health

The situation

Mental health services in Uganda are very limited. It is estimated that up to 90% of those suffering with mental health issues in the country do not receive treatment of any kind. Not only that, the lack of understanding of mental health issues and how they affect people mean that many individuals are ostracized and mistreated.

The Diversity Foundation has been created to help address these issues, to promote mental health awareness, reduce hospital admissions, train village health teams to identify patients and generally to improve the lives of those who are suffering needlessly.

Bwindi Community Hospital staff

Bwindi Community Hospital

The Hospital is at the heart of the community in Bwindi, a rural town in south-western Uganda. It sits next to the magnificent Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, which houses Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a World Heritage Site.

The Hospital covers an area that includes:

  • 101 villages
  • 15,000 households
  • 70,000 people
Harish Sodha with a nurse at Bwindi hospital

Why Bwindi?

We chose to work with the brilliant staff at Bwindi Community Hospital for a few key reasons:

  • Founders Harish and Sarah witnessed first-hand the segregation and prejudice suffered by those with mental health issues in Uganda
  • Bwindi Community Hospital (BCH) understand the need for improved understanding and treatment, and started a community mental health service in 2013
  • BCH has a dedicated team but much work needs to be done to help them reach their goals – this is where the Foundation comes in

"To have a healthy and productive community, free from preventable diseases and with excellent health services that are accessible to all members of the community."

- The major aim of Bwindi Community Hospital.

Harish, Sarah and Bwindi resident with motorbike

What are we providing?

£25,000 per year for the next 3 years, plus any donations raised through our in-house events, will provide:

  • The full salary of an additional member of staff
  • A new and fully funded motorcycle
  • Two new laptops
  • Funding of radio shows that reach out to all villages
  • Payment for certain drugs
  • Contribution to Good Samaritan Fund

Photos from Bwindi...

Bwindi Community Hospital staff