Job created: 200
Thanks to the ongoing support of A&K Philanthropy and the Gorilla Forest Lodge, the Bwindi Community Hospital has, over the years, been transformed into a state-of-the-art healthcare facility with 155 beds. Today, the hospital is the main medical centre for a catchment area of around 120,000 people and treats over 40,000 patients directly each year. The hospital’s work extends far beyond its physical premises thanks to a dedicated staff of 200 people, who organise and dispatch mobile healthcare teams directly to neighbouring villages. This on-the-ground care and prevention service ensures equitable access to treatment and health education for more than 70,000 people across some 17,000 households.
To carry out such a complex mission, A&K Philanthropy collaborates with various partner organisations, including the Kellermann Foundation. Since 2004, when this partnership began, the project has sent medical supplies and equipment worth over $2 million. Key initiatives carried out include the complete refurbishment of the paediatric ward, the extension of the hostel for expectant mothers, the launch of vocational training courses and the installation of a modern water purification system.
The benefits of these initiatives, particularly for the vulnerable Batwa community, are evident in the health statistics. Since 2008, the incidence of malaria has plummeted from 45 per cent to less than 7 per cent, whilst cases of malnutrition have fallen from 20 per cent to less than 1 per cent. The hospital handles around 40,000 outpatient visits a year and its diagnostic department carries out an average of 2,500 tests a day, providing highly specialised services ranging from biochemical and microbiological analyses to histopathology, X-rays and ultrasound scans.
Uganda, often called the secret pearl of Africa, wins the hearts of those who visit with its breathtaking scenery: crystal clear lakes, majestic mountain ranges and dense rainforests. This fascinating country boasts the highest concentration of primates in the world, providing an unparalleled wilderness experience.
In the heart of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in south-western Uganda, is the Gorilla Forest Lodge, an exclusive retreat that combines comfort and sustainability. This region is famous for its iconic mascot: the mountain gorilla. About half the world's population of this rare and endangered species lives here, making Bwindi a must-visit destination for those seeking the thrill of a close encounter with these extraordinary primates.
The Gorilla Forest Lodge, completely renovated in 2024 and designed with respect for the environment, offers an intimate and luxurious experience. Its ten suites, renovated with attention to detail, blend harmoniously with the surrounding mountain landscape. The lodge's amenities include a cosy bar, a lounge perfect for relaxation and a refined dining area with panoramic views of the rainforest, where guests can rejuvenate after a day's trekking. A raised platform allows guests to dine al fresco, surrounded by the enveloping sounds of nature.
The lodge's strategic location, a stone's throw from the starting point of gorilla-watching treks, makes it a unique place. Not infrequently, gorilla families come to the lodge, offering guests the chance to experience unforgettable moments in close contact with these magnificent animals, in their natural habitat.
