Becca Jones

Caring for the smallest and sickest babies in Uganda

Kiwoko Hospital began as a clinic under a tree in 1988 and has now grown to be a hospital employing more than 400 staff and providing care for 70,000 patients a year. In September 2021, we celebrated the hospital’s 30th anniversary.

Uganda’s infant mortality rate stands at 43 per 1,000 births

The neonatal unit, where I work as a Doctor, is one of very few units available nationwide, and at an affordable price. We admit over 12,000 babies a year and the unit often runs at 130% capacity – it is busy! We aim to offer holistic care for the whole family. 

We treat, Jesus heals

Kiwoko, in central Ugandan, saw great suffering during the civil war (1978-9), and the hospital provides much needed spiritual support for Kiwoko’s rural population of 500,000 people. The motto of the hospital is “We treat, Jesus heals.”

The hospital has medical, surgical, obstetric and paediatric wards, as well as dedicated TB and HIV services, and a unit for premature babies. Regular outreach clinics to the surrounding villages are also held.

The hospital is under the Church of Uganda and has a strong christian foundation

The hospital, which is under the Church of Uganda, is built on a strong christian foundation and the spiritual welfare of patients is provided through personal evangelism, dedicated teams witnessing, prayer on the wards, and students’ and children’s work. Each day begins with worship and prayer which helps to remind staff that all work is done as unto the Lord.

I initially came to Kiwoko in 2010,  then came back for a year in 2013 and never left! For the first few years I worked as a medical officer, joining the on-call rota on all the various wards. I am now based in the Neonatal Unit with some oversight of the paediatric ward. 

I also have three adopted children, Erica, Shakira (who has cerebral palsy) and Ruthie who I homeschool. Outside of school and work, we enjoy spending time with friends, baking and enjoying food – fried grasshoppers are a favourite!

County facts:
Grasshoppers are a delicacy
Uganda’s national food is matooke (which is a bit like savoury bananas)

My favourite Bible verse:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor 12v9)

For more information on the Kiwoko Hospital visit kiwokohospital.org