In its early years, AAH faced a difficult challenge: how to ensure that children could receive an education when many were frequently sick and undernourished. Illnesses such as malaria and other serious but treatable diseases often caused prolonged absences from school, and in many cases, children who fell behind never returned to complete their studies.

Recognising that good health is essential for effective learning, AAH established its first health facility in 2006. The Beatrice Tierney Health Clinic, located at the Arlington Junior School premises in Bumwalukani, Bududa District, was opened not only to serve students but also the wider community.

In 2008, AAH expanded its healthcare services by opening a second clinic in the even more remote Namisindwa District. Today, the two clinics collectively handle more than 30,000 patient visits each year, with more than half of the patients being children under the age of five.

The clinics provide services in line with the Minimum Health Care Package of the Uganda Ministry of Health. These services include immunisation, antenatal and postnatal care, laboratory services, HIV testing, counselling and treatment, among others. In addition, the clinic staff conduct community outreach programmes, address gender-based violence, and provide support services for survivors of sexual violence.

These vital services are made possible through the generous support of our partners and friends in the United States, in collaboration with our local implementing partners and the Government of Uganda.