Centre for Women & Youth Empowerment (CEWAYE)

Dr. Joyce Namwase, currently pursuing a Psychiatry Masters at Mbarara University of Science and Technology, also holds the role of project coordinator for the "Fight Dementia" initiative at the Ugandan  Centre for Women and Youth Empowerment (CEWAYE). With the support of the Giving Joy grant, she aims to spearhead the implementation of the "Fight Dementia" project. This endeavor will involve delivering health education talks to 300 individuals in Nakivale refugee settlement, situated in Isingiro district, southwestern Uganda.

The project entails the dissemination of crucial information about dementia, including dispelling misconceptions, defining dementia, outlining risk factors, exploring treatment options, and guiding individuals on where to seek care. To ensure accessibility, this information will be conveyed through posters, brochures, and banners, all translated into local languages for widespread understanding. These materials will be strategically placed in public spaces such as markets, schools, and places of worship.

Moreover, the project aims to conduct dementia screenings utilizing the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) for 100 women aged 60 and above. Those identified with dementia will receive appropriate treatment, and others will be referred to healthcare professionals trained in screening and dementia management.

By advocating for dementia awareness, prevention, and care within both refugee and host community settings, the project endeavors to catalyze policy and systemic changes. Particularly focusing on the elderly population, it seeks to enhance inclusion, equity, and autonomy for individuals affected by dementia, providing them with a platform to voice their needs and concerns.