For two decades, Dr. Teresa Marlino has dedicated herself to making a profound impact on communities in Uganda. What began as a small mission to assess the health of children in Ugandan schools has evolved into a multifaceted effort that includes healthcare, education, and community development. Recently, Dr. Marlino was honored with the Echoes Founders Award, recognizing her exceptional commitment to improving the lives of countless individuals in Uganda.
The Beginning: Addressing Malnutrition in Ugandan Schools
Twenty-two years ago, shortly after completing her medical training, Dr. Marlino embarked on her first mission trip to Uganda. Her church had developed a partnership with a local Episcopal priest who had established two schools—Trinity Children’s Center in Kampala and Centenary High School in Nyendo. When Dr. Marlino arrived, she was struck by the severe malnutrition and dire conditions the children faced; many had gone days without eating.
Determined to make a difference, her church initiated a feeding program for these schools, providing a daily meal of beans and matoke, a local staple. The results were transformative—not only did the children’s health improve, but their academic performance soared as well.
Expanding Healthcare: The Birth of Double Cure Hospital
The mission didn’t stop at nutrition. As Dr. Marlino’s work in Uganda continued, the need for accessible healthcare became evident. Together with local partners, they established Double Cure Hospital in Mpigi, Uganda, which began as a small clinic and has since grown into a 60-bed inpatient facility. The hospital is now one of the busiest regional centers, providing critical care to patients referred from smaller health clinics. In 2023, they treated 26,000 patients and expect to exceed 30,000 patient encounters in 2024.
What makes Double Cure Hospital truly unique is its dual focus on healthcare and education. The hospital includes both a midwifery school and a nursing school, training the next generation of healthcare providers. Dr. Marlino serves on the board of directors, working tirelessly to improve healthcare outcomes despite significant challenges like limited resources and political instability.
Overcoming Obstacles: The Reality of Medical Care in Uganda
The journey to provide quality healthcare has been fraught with difficulties. Without health insurance, patients’ families often must save money for surgeries and other procedures, leading to delays in care. However, the hospital has made great strides, including hiring a full-time anesthesiologist and bringing in rotating surgeons to offer more specialized treatments.
One of the biggest logistical challenges has been the shipment of medical supplies to Uganda. Partnering with Project Cure, Dr. Marlino’s team ships donated equipment, navigating complex customs processes to ensure supplies reach the hospital. During each mission trip, team members pack suitcases filled with essential medical tools.
The Power of Education and Community Support
Beyond healthcare, Dr. Marlino emphasizes the importance of education. The feeding program her church initiated has had a ripple effect, helping reduce instances of physical abuse in schools and fostering a more supportive learning environment. The mission also extends to building a new elementary school and expanding the nursing and midwifery programs.
Echoes Around the World, a non-denominational organization, has taken up the mantle of fundraising to support these efforts. By providing housing for nursing students and focusing on the long-term development of the local workforce, they are empowering the community to become self-sufficient.
A Call to Action: Supporting the Mission’s Future
Despite all the progress made, there’s still so much work to be done. Dr. Marlino is currently raising funds to expand the nursing school, build a new elementary school, and provide desperately needed medical supplies. She plans to bring more medical teams to Uganda to perform advanced procedures and support the growing hospital.
Recently recognized with the Echoes Founders Award, Dr. Marlino reflected on the importance of sustained support to continue transforming lives. For her, mission trips are a chance to make a tangible difference, one life at a time, even when the challenges seem overwhelming.
“As a scientist, I understand that giving to charity releases endorphins into the brain, which can give the giver a positive feeling. From a sociology standpoint, giving can promote a sense of happiness and fulfillment, and can strengthen social connections. From a religious viewpoint, the Bible says that generosity is an eternal investment that will be enjoyed in the future. To all of you and from the bottom of my heart, thank you for giving to Echoes and continuing to support this vital work.” – Dr. Teresa Marlino, accepting her Echoes Founders Award for 20 years of service to Double Cure Hospital in Mpigi, Uganda.