Aggreko plc, the world leader in the provision of temporary power and temperature control solutions, has donated US$6,000 to the Hope Clinic, Lukuli, on the outskirts of Kampala, Uganda. The donation is the third package of support Aggreko has provided since 2005 to enable the medical centre to continue to provide services to the area’s urban poor.

A registered NGO that is supervised by Uganda’s Ministry of Health and the local council, the clinic provides key health services to the local community – such as free child immunisation and HIV counselling and testing services, in addition to general practice consultations and treatments, which are provided at low cost.

Formed in 2000, the Hope Clinic moved to new premises in July 2005 and has grown significantly to offer an extensive range of medical services, with an ever-increasing patient base, thanks to the clinic’s growing reputation. When it started at its new premises, the clinic had 350 out-patients a month, saw 30-40 clients for HIV tests and delivered fewer than 10 babies. “By 2006 this had already risen to 600 out-patients and over 100 clients for HIV,” said Philip Mitchell, a co-founder – and the current director.

The work of the clinic has been commended by Dr Twa Twa, the assistant commissioner for reproductive health at Uganda’s Ministry of Health, who recently appealed for funding partners. The most recent Aggreko donation will go towards drugs, laboratory staff, test kits and other equipment. It will also enable the clinic to provide free consultations and blood tests for young people, with a particular focus on sexually transmitted infections (STI). Aggreko has also ensured that all of its staff working in Uganda can attend a one-day HIV awareness seminar at the clinic.

Commenting on this partnership, Julian Ford, Marketing and Business Development Director, Aggreko International, said: “We are pleased to have the opportunity to continue our collaboration with the Hope Clinic Lukuli to address healthcare needs identified by the community and endorsed by the national health authorities. Since 2005 Aggreko has partnered with the clinic to provide some of Uganda’s disadvantaged communities with access to medical care that would otherwise be out of reach. Our efforts have focused primarily on assisting those who might not otherwise have the funding necessary to access primary healthcare through the Clinic.”

Aggreko has had a presence in Uganda since May 2005, providing temporary power to supplement the country’s grid supply, alleviate ‘load shedding’ and support the rapidly growing economy. Recently the company was awarded a further contract by Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Ltd to provide an additional 50MW of power. The 50MW contract is in addition to the 100MW already installed.