CURE Uganda’s ICU: Redefining Pediatric Neurosurgical Care
CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda (CURE Uganda), known globally for our neurosurgical expertise, has treated children with hydrocephalus, spina bifida, and brain tumors for over two decades. In September 2022, the hospital opened a specialized pediatric intensive care unit (ICU).
Since opening, the ICU has transformed countless young lives and set new standards for serving children with neurological conditions for generations to come. CURE Uganda, which previously struggled with an overcrowded ICU, has significantly expanded its capacity to provide lifesaving care. Every child who has surgery at the hospital is required to spend some time in the ICU.
World-Class Medical Care
The state-of-the-art building houses 18 fully equipped beds and has significantly boosted the hospital’s critical care capabilities. It features modern amenities like piped oxygen, medical air, advanced ventilators, and infusion pumps. As the largest pediatric ICU in Uganda, it has become an oasis of hope for children with complex neurosurgical conditions.
Tim Erickson, Executive Director of CURE Uganda, expressed his enthusiasm for the hospital’s improved capabilities. “Our capacity to perform more surgeries a day while still providing critical care services has expanded significantly. We have increased our capacity to treat more children by 80 percent.”
This remarkable progress is a testament to the medical staff’s dedication and leadership and the invaluable support of our generous donors.
Saving Lives
One child who benefited from CURE Uganda’s high-quality care was Isaac. Isaac’s father, Sipriano, rushed him to CURE on a Friday night after debilitating headaches left him unable to eat and barely able to walk. Realizing the critical nature of Isaac’s condition, the quick-working medical team performed a CT scan and diagnosed him with a life-threatening brain tumor.
The team then performed life-saving surgery on Isaac that night and removed the tumor.
“Thanks for saving my son’s life,” says Sipriano. “He would be no more if it wasn’t for your quick response. And special thanks to the donors for their love and care toward the vulnerable. May their pockets never go dry.”
Isaac spent several weeks at CURE and underwent another procedure due to complications. While there, he received much-needed spiritual care from the ministry team, who prayed over him and took him to chapel, where he thanked God for saving his life. Today, Isaac is a strong, healthy young man who loves playing soccer and has returned to school.
A Brighter Future: CURE Uganda’s Ongoing Commitment
One year since the inauguration of the specialized pediatric ICU building, CURE Uganda remains a shining example of how vision, commitment, and compassionate care can transform the lives of children made vulnerable by disability.
With renewed purpose and determination, the hospital looks to the future, equipped to bring lifesaving surgical care to even more children in need. As we fulfill our mission, we reaffirm our commitment to providing quality healthcare to the most vulnerable, ensuring that these children know they are truly special to God.
About the CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda
CURE Children’s Hospital of Uganda has been a place of hope since opening its doors in 2001. It is one of Africa’s leading pediatric hospitals for brain surgery and the treatment of neurological conditions. Our teaching hospital has an 18-bed Intensive Care Unit and 59 ward beds, three operating rooms, and an outpatient clinic. In addition to world-class medical care, our team ministers to the emotional and spiritual needs of our patients and their communities.
