Robert H. Cooley Pediatric Clinic – Papoli
In late 1999 an email was sent to Dr. Sylvia Campbell by a young girl in Uganda, Martha Ofumbi, in hope of finding SOMEONE who could help her. Along with meeting the immediate need of repairing her heart, this contact was the beginning of a friendship between the people of Papoli, Uganda and Tampa, Florida.
By 2005, plans were in place for the digging of wells for clean, safe water and the building of homes for widows. By 2007, PACODEF (Papoli Community Development Foundation) and Village Partners International were officially formed; feeding programs were in place and the primary school was completed. By 2010, the Pediatric Clinic was completed. By 2012, USF students traveled to Papoli, staff homes were built, the Moringa project began and the first VPI fundraiser was held.
However, other critical work was identified.
The need for care for the children sickened by HIV and Malaria became evident, and VPI took the building of a “Safe House” to treat these, the most vulnerable in the community, as the next project. With help from the Cooley family, the Robert H. Cooley Pediatric Center was built. Countless children have been identified, treated, and returned to their families with this ongoing project, which treats the primary disease, as well as the underlying malnutrition often seen here. The impact has been and continues to be one of the most important projects VPI has undertaken in the community, and support for this life-giving clinic is critical to continue the care so needed.
Dedicated citizens of Papoli are working hard to organize themselves with the final goal of becoming self-sustaining. However, they still need our help.
With the continued support of VPI and the dollars shared by generous continual donations, children are cared for at the Pediatric Clinic, malnutrition is addressed, vaccinations are given, and the staff ensures that the most needy and vulnerable are identified and treated.
Without the support offered, these children would not receive this life giving care, and their future would tell a different story.
