Page 17 - October - December 2022 Edition

HIV. And they are interested in short term sexual He picks up every new mzungu passing through
relationships with visitors. This is catch 22. If they and boasts about it in the bars. You don't want to
are safe they are not interested and if they are become the latest silly gullible girl, and lose all
interested they aren't safe. respect. Not a good move for the new teacher
or development worker.
Common sense says you do not do in Uganda
what you would not do in Europe. Common Lastly if you wake up in the morning and think
sense says men lie. Ask any magistrate. Men lie "that was stupid" come in within 72 hours, even
about sex. Ask any woman. Unfortunately, there better 24. Post exposure prophylaxis is extremely
are 6 million Ugandan women you can't ask effective: close to 100%. Just make a rule: if you
because they are dead from HIV. And HIV is not have sex with someone you meet here, even
the only disease. Human papilloma virus is even with a condom, it is far too dangerous to be
commoner. Deaths from cancer of the cervix in political about it.
UK is below 1,000 a year. Here it is rising fast. Come in immediately for PEP. It is so common
Really scary. that in The Surgery you do not even have to see
And here's a thought: everyone is watching the a doctor if you don't want to, the nurses deal
new visitor in town. They all know the local wolf. with it.

So, 7 rules for staying alive and healthy in Uganda.

1)Hakuna Matatu. Use the bus.
2)Common sense: do not do in Uganda what you would not do in UK
3)If you are tired go to bed. If you are not better, come in.
4)Treat diarrhea yourself. If no better bring in a sample.
5)Take your malaria prophylaxis. Carry RDT's and trust them. If you are sick, phone or email
6)Bilharzia is potentially serious. If exposed get tested and treated.
7)Do not even think about it. If you have sex with someone you met here come in for PEP.
When you leave come in for a routine simple departure medical. Check for the common parasites
that might not be considered in Europe. Discuss any risks. The surgery makes it easier by seeing a nurse
and checking a questionnaire

THE SURGERY UGANDA
Email: administration@thesurgeryuganda.org / reception@thesurgeryuganda.org /
Telephone numbers (reception): +256 (0) 31 225 6001/2/3 and +256 (0) 772 756 003
Emergency Numbers: +256 (0) 752 756 003 and 0256 (0) 31 225 6008
Emergency email: nurse@thesurgeryuganda.org
Website: www.thesurgeryuganda.org
Facebook: web.facebook.com/TheSurgeryUganda/

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