We are excited to announce a transformative partnership between Ebenezer Wellness Center and Prof. Angela R. Wells, a renowned technologist, along with her team of software engineers, who have developed the Smart Pills Reminder App—a revolutionary mobile application designed to redefine medication management for diabetes patients in rural Uganda.
This innovative app, tailored specifically for individuals with diabetes, addresses the unique challenges faced by underserved communities. It simplifies medication management by ensuring users take the correct medicine at the right time, tracks blood sugar levels, and offers offline accessibility, making it highly practical for rural areas with limited internet connectivity. Committed to user privacy, the app does not collect any personal information, ensuring a secure and trustworthy experience.
Prof. Angela R. Wells, the visionary behind the app, shared, “Our goal was to create a tool that addresses the unique challenges faced by underserved communities in Uganda. With this app, we hope to improve medication adherence and overall health outcomes for diabetes patients.”
At Ebenezer Wellness Center, a social enterprise operating under Ebenezer Clinic and Diagnostic Centre in Ibanda, Uganda, we are dedicated to addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in rural Uganda by providing affordable, high-quality healthcare services. NCDs, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases, are the leading cause of death in Uganda, accounting for approximately 70% of all deaths. However, access to quality NCD care in rural areas remains limited due to financial constraints, lack of awareness, and insufficient healthcare infrastructure.
Through this partnership, Ebenezer Wellness Center will integrate the Smart Pills Reminder App into our NCD care model, enhancing our ability to serve patients more effectively. Our NCD clinic, which operates weekly, offers comprehensive care for just $15 per visit, including health education, vital checks, blood tests, and doctor consultations. Patients also receive monthly prescriptions for their medications.
With the addition of the Smart Pills Reminder App, our patients will now have access to a powerful tool that reminds them to take their medication, monitors their blood sugar levels, and stores their prescriptions digitally. This tech-driven solution ensures that patients can manage their health more effectively, even when consulting other healthcare providers.
Our Mission and Vision
- Mission: To improve the health and well-being of rural Ugandan communities by providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality care for non-communicable diseases.
- Vision: To become the leading provider of NCD care in rural Uganda, empowering individuals to lead healthier lives through preventive care, education, and sustainable healthcare solutions.
The Problem
Non-communicable diseases are a growing public health crisis in Uganda, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited. Key challenges include:
- Limited Availability of Healthcare Facilities: Only 49% of rural households live within 5 kilometers of a health facility, compared to 82% of urban households (Uganda Bureau of Statistics).
- Shortage of Trained Professionals: Rural areas face a severe shortage of healthcare workers, with only 25% of specialists serving 75% of the population residing in rural areas.
- High Costs of Treatment: 27% of rural households incur catastrophic health expenditures, compared to 18% of urban households (Uganda National Household Survey).
- Lack of Awareness and Education: Limited knowledge about NCDs, their risk factors, and preventive measures leads to delayed diagnosis, poor management, and increased complications.
- Poor Infrastructure and Logistical Barriers: Rural areas often lack reliable transportation, electricity, and communication networks, hindering healthcare delivery.
The Solution
Ebenezer Wellness Center offers a comprehensive, integrated approach to NCD care, addressing these challenges through:
- Wellness Clinics: Focused on preventive care, including screenings, counseling, education, and lifestyle modification programs.
- Diagnostic Services: Providing accurate and timely diagnostics to support effective treatment.
- Pharmacy Services through KELVIN Pharmacy: Ensuring access to affordable medications.
- Tech-Driven Solutions: The integration of the Smart Pills Reminder App into our care model enhances patient adherence and health outcomes.
This partnership represents a significant step forward in bridging the healthcare gap for rural populations, offering accessible, tech-driven solutions to those who need them most. Together, Ebenezer Wellness Center and Prof. Angela R. Wells are committed to improving the lives of diabetes patients and empowering communities to lead healthier lives.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue to enhance the app’s features and expand its impact in the coming months!
Ebenezer Wellness Center
Empowering Health, Transforming Lives.