PHR Action Center

 Slide show: Meet Dr. Katumba

Please sign this petition to ask Congress to strengthen health systems in Africa and help Dr. Katumba fight AIDS and support the right to health.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

Dr. Fred Katumba is a physician in Uganda, which has 30 times fewer physicians than the United States. In Uganda, 250 people die of AIDS each day and over one million people are living with HIV. Dr. Katumba is a leader among the health workers fighting the AIDS pandemic in Uganda. Unfortunately, Dr. Katumba and his colleagues do not have what they need to treat their patients in rural Uganda.

* The health district that Dr. Katumba oversees is understaffed: There are only 3 doctors and 8 clinical officers to serve a population of over 70,000. * There are often no drugs available to treat HIV/AIDS and other treatable infectious diseases. * People often do not go to see Dr. Katumba until they are desperately ill and then have to walk hours on foot to get to him. * Many clinics in Dr. Katumba's district have no electricity, no running water and no major diagnostic equipment like an X-ray machine.

Health workers like Dr. Katumba need stronger health systems if they are to stop needless deaths in Africa from AIDS and other treatable diseases. The US has been a global leader in the fight against AIDS, but we will only win the battle if we support the fundamental right to health. Governments must build health systems that are available, accessible, affordable and of good quality.

The US must provide bold leadership. By strengthening health systems in Africa, you can help Dr Katumba ensure that everyone enjoys attains the right to health. We urge you to lead the world in making the right to health for all Africans a reality.

In solidarity with my colleagues in Africa,

Signed by:

Campaign Launched:
November 16, 2007