International Programmes
Mildmay partners with local organisations in East Africa to strengthen health systems, expand inclusive care, and build sustainable, locally led services.
These initiatives have successfully transitioned to local leadership by strong Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
Investing in Stronger Health Systems with Local Partners
Since 1998, Mildmay has worked alongside partners across East Africa and Eastern Europe to strengthen healthcare for people living with HIV and other complex conditions. Building on decades of specialist clinical experience, we support locally led programmes that expand access, build expertise, and deliver dignified, sustainable care.
Today, infectious diseases continue to pose major challenges, while non-communicable conditions such as cancer, diabetes and hypertension are rising as life expectancy improves. These trends demand integrated, long-term models of care. We respond by working with trusted local organisations to strengthen services where need is greatest.
We focus on strengthening health systems rather than running short-term projects:
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Strengthen frontline Services
Practical support for inpatient, outpatient, outreach and telemedicine provision, tailored to local needs.
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Build capacity
Training, mentorship and professional exchange that equips local clinicians and health workers to deliver high-quality care independently.
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Champion inclusion
Disability-inclusive, gender-sensitive and youth-friendly care pathways that prioritise dignity and access.
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Mobilise support
Fundraising and partnerships that enable local programmes to grow, adapt and thrive over time.
East Africa’s evolving health needs:
Infectious diseases remain a major public health challenge across the region.
But at the same time, non-communicable diseases are increasing rapidly, placing growing pressure on diagnostic services, long-term treatment and rehabilitation.
We are designing our programmes to respond to these realities by partnering with hospitals, ministries of health and communities to strengthen essential services, particularly where access is limited by geography, poverty or disability.
Waiting at Outpatients - Kumi Hospital
Expanding equitable access to specialist care through the construction of modern regional centres offering inpatient, outpatient, outreach and telemedicine services, beginning in Mbale.
UK trainee GPs and clinicians undertake placements with Mildmay Uganda Hospital and partner sites, sharing skills and strengthening local capacity while bringing learning back to the NHS.
Child and adolescent support focused on healthcare, education and food security, delivered through a universal model to reach more young people equitably.
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Partner-led Innovation Fund (Uganda)
Small, low-cost projects identified by Mildmay Uganda and frontline partners that can be rapidly designed, funded and delivered to address practical gaps in care.
These targeted initiatives allow us to test solutions, respond quickly to emerging needs, and deliver immediate, tangible benefits for patients, such as adherence tools and simple service improvements, while informing wider programme development. The first of a new tranche of these projects - My Pill Box - will be brought online soon.
Mildmay Uganda Hospital and partners in Kampala and regional sites
Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Eastern Europe. Projects successfully handed over to governments or local NGOs
Launching in 2026 to expand access to essential care, building sustainable capacity in underserved communities.
The first project will rebuild JOY Hospice in Mbale into a 30+ bed, disability-inclusive facility providing diagnostics, treatment, palliative care and outreach—delivered with Mildmay Uganda Hospital, the Ministry of Health, the British High Commission Kampala, and the Virtual Doctors.
JOY Health Centre, Mbale - reception building
Drs Helena Rochford and Amy Cleese piloted the programme at Kumi Hospital in 2023.
In partnership with Mildmay Hospital Uganda, Ed Ex offers placements for trainee GPs and other clinicians from the UK.
Participants gain experience in resource-limited settings and contribute directly to high-quality patient care and health systems strengthening.
Find out more about the Education Exchange Programme.
Mildmay Uganda's Universal Fund
Since 2002, more than 2,000 children and adolescents have received psychosocial services and household economic support.
In 2017, individually allocated assistance was replaced by a Universal Fund model to deliver the same benefits more fairly to more young people.
More about this transformational fund.
Mildmay KENYA and Mildmay UGANDA are now both locally registered with their own Trustee Boards and constitutions.
They undertake fundraising and partnerships locally and, given the challenges many countries in the Global South face, they also draw strength and support from Mildmay’s donors in the UK.
Mildmay Uganda was established in 1998 as Mildmay’s first international programme.
It opened in Kampala to provide comprehensive HIV care at a time when over 3,000 children were waiting for life-saving treatment through PEPFAR.
Today, Mildmay Uganda supports 13% of all people on antiretroviral therapy in Uganda. Mildmay UK continues to support this work through fundraising for the Universal Fund (Child Sponsorship) and the vital Elizabeth Ward.
With the successful winding up of Mildmay International at the end of 2024-25, Mildmay Kenya became a fully independent NGO, operating under the capable leadership of its Board of Trustees.
This transition marks a significant achievement, and we’re proud of the Mildmay Kenya team’s ability to secure independent funding and build a dedicated network of volunteers who continue to provide essential healthcare services. Their work inspires young people to achieve their full potential and live a life of dignity.
In the 1990s, Mildmay was called to extend its expertise to some of the areas where HIV and AIDS were hitting hardest.
As many of our funded projects concluded, Mildmay handed over a legacy of work to governments or local NGOs, marking the successful conclusion of many of our international programmes.
Get Involved
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Donate: Help fund essential services and training across East Africa.
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Partner: Work with us to scale equitable, sustainable healthcare.
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Learn & exchange: Enquire about placements and professional exchanges.
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Stay informed: Sign up for updates on programme milestones and impact.
Mildmay International once led our overseas work. As projects flourished and were handed to local NGOs, its mission was embraced by Mildmay’s main charity, which continues that legacy today.