On his visit to ROM and the Acholi Quarters community where he tirelessly worked to find solutions to the AIDS scourge that was consuming lives day and night, Dr. Jack, a dermatologist was welcomed amidst joy and emotions.
In the early years of ROM, Jack worked at ROM and led the research on a wired skin irritation that was common among the People Living with HIV in the ROM served communities at that time. He is credited for his commitment to take blood tests to the United States of America. On returning the results, most of all the people with that skin condition had low immunity.
Ms. Josephine Kaleebi, the Executive Director of ROM thanked Dr. Jack for taking the initiative to solving the problem of Kaposi’s sarcoma, a type of skin cancer that affects people living with HIV and was common among ROM clients at the time Jack worked at the facility.
“If Dr. Jack had not taken the blood sample early enough, all the people with low immunity would have died. And this is the time Dr. Margrethe started looking for funds to support the people.” Said Ms. Rose Acen, a Local Council 11 Councilor.
“Send my appreciation to the American government for bringing medicine at the right time to the right people. I wish I could go to America to thank them.” She added. Rose also encouraged the those who were present to continue praying, be committed and love each other, that way they will conquer.
Emotions filled the atmosphere as Mary Goretti (not real name) shared her story of how she escaped death after Dr. Jack’s intervention. “Thank God’s goodness for bringing you back to us, many years after you saved our lives. I am now 70 years old, but
Mr. Oloya James, the Chairperson of Acholi Quarters thanked Dr. jack for his efforts to save the vulnerable people. He said, “Dr. Jack, majority of these people are equally disabled and before you came, we would survive on Panadol. By your works, people are still living and as long as you are alive, may God give you all you need to keep caring for his people.”
Dr. Jack was in the company of his family and Dr. Margrethe Junker-the co-founder of ROM. The beneficiaries who were overwhelmed by Jack’s coming entertained him with songs and traditional dances, gifted him with various handcrafts and served him a sumptuous meal. He also toured the community.
