Dr. Jeffrey Kesten made a life-changing decision. He traveled to a remote village in Iganga, Uganda, after seeing the severe poverty and health problems affecting the people who lived there. Many families struggled daily without clean water, reliable electricity, enough food, or access to medical care.
Seeing this difficult reality, Dr. Kesten committed himself to helping the community and building a healthier future.
A Village in Need
When Dr. Kesten first arrived, he found a village rich in natural beauty but deeply affected by hardship. The people lived near thick forests, yet lacked basic needs such as clean drinking water, toilets, and electricity.
Many children were sick, malnourished, and unable to attend school. Medical help was almost impossible to find, and even simple illnesses became life-threatening.
No Clean Water
Most families depended on unsafe water sources. This caused frequent outbreaks of diseases, especially in children. Dr. Kesten quickly realized that teaching hygiene and improving sanitation were essential for better health.
No Electricity
Without electricity, it was difficult for homes and the village orphanage to operate safely. Medical work was challenging because many tools and emergency procedures require power. Dr. Kesten learned to adapt and train helpers to work even under difficult conditions.
Hunger and Malnutrition
Food scarcity was a major problem. Many children suffered from malnutrition, which weakened their immune systems. Dr. Kesten believed that treating illnesses was not enough—children also needed proper nutrition to grow strong and healthy.
Limited Education
Education was another serious challenge. Many children had no access to school or learning materials. Dr. Kesten understood that healthy children also need opportunities to learn and dream, so he supported programs linking health awareness with basic education.
Founding the Rise Outreach CDO Medical Clinic
To address these problems, Dr. Kesten co-founded the Rise Outreach CDO Medical Clinic at a small orphanage in Iganga. What began as a simple idea soon grew into a vital resource for the entire community.
The clinic provided:
basic health check-ups
emergency treatment
hygiene and disease prevention lessons
nutritional support for children
guidance for mothers and families
Every patient who visited the clinic was treated with care, respect, and compassion.
Empowering the Community
Dr. Kesten knew that true change had to be sustainable. He trained local volunteers, taught basic medical skills, and helped caregivers learn how to protect their families’ health. By empowering the village to take care of itself, he ensured the clinic’s impact would last for generations.
A Lasting Legacy
Today, Dr. Jeffrey Kesten’s work continues to transform lives in Iganga. Children who once suffered from hunger now receive nutritional support. Families who had no access to healthcare now rely on the clinic for treatment and guidance. The orphanage, once struggling alone, now stands stronger because of the systems he helped build.
His story is a powerful reminder that one person’s compassion can change an entire community. Through the Rise Outreach CDO Medical Clinic, Dr. Kesten has left a legacy of kindness, service, and lasting hope in rural Uganda.
