Who are we?

We are researchers from the University of Plymouth, UK and Makerere University, Uganda. 

What is the problem?

Chronic lung disease is a growing problem in Africa affecting around 1 in 8 adults. The main forms are chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and post-TB lung disease. COPD is now the third leading cause of death in the world, and is rapidly increasing in Africa. Patients with chronic lung disease tend to get breathless and so they avoid exercise, leading to physical deconditioning, fatigue and depression. In Africa, these problems are compounded by the lack of social services, malnutrition and stigma. They are often alienated from society and unable to work; without money, there is no food or medicines and they can deteriorate fast. 

How is chronic lung disease treated?

Inhalers are the mainstay of treatment, but in Africa these are difficult to find and too expensive. Pulmonary rehab is an evidence based intervention which involves no drugs. Groups of patients undergo rehabilitation in a 6 week twice weekly programme of exercise and education. Rehab is very effective in reducing breathlessness, improving social engagement, reducing dependence, and often life transforming. Sadly, although many patients require rehab, since the research has stopped there is nowhere for it to take place. 

You can help!

We plan to build a bespoke centre for pulmonary rehab in Mulago Hospital, Kampala. It will act as a permanent National Centre for performing pulmonary rehabilitation and for training staff across Africa to conduct rehab to the highest standards. 

So far, thanks to our crowdfunding project we have raised £10,472 towards the centre – huge thanks to everyone who kindly donated to help achieve this. We need to keep raising money to paint, decorate and furnish the centre, and support the volunteers.

We look forward to making a significant and positive impact for patients suffering with COPD in Africa.