Our International Work
Mildmay is a charity that works overseas.
Since the 1990s, we've played a vital role, with numerous HIV and healthcare-related projects, across Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Eastern Europe.
These initiatives have successfully transitioned to local leadership by strong NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations).
East Africa's Evolving Health Challenges
Across East Africa, healthcare systems face a shifting set of challenges. While infectious diseases remain a significant concern, non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and chronic respiratory conditions are rising sharply. This change, driven in part by extended life expectancy, places additional pressure on healthcare providers to adapt to emerging healthcare needs.
Compounding these challenges, rural areas often lack adequate medical infrastructure and personnel, with the majority of healthcare workers concentrated in urban centres.
Addressing these disparities and building capacity in underserved regions is critical to improving access to care and responding effectively to the shifting landscape of disease in East Africa.
As we move forward, Mildmay is actively exploring partnerships and opportunities, starting with vital new initiatives in Uganda in 2025.
Our commitment to making a positive impact remains strong, and we are constantly seeking new opportunities to extend our expertise and collaborate internationally, such as through our Education Exchange Programme, sending UK clinicians to Uganda, fostering collaboration and strengthening healthcare systems worldwide.
We look forward to continuing to make a difference, with your support, wherever it is needed most.
In this section:
Past Work
With the successful winding up of Mildmay International at the end of 2024, Mildmay Kenya is now 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 Mildmay Kenya’s ability to secure independent funding and build a dedicated network of volunteers who continue to provide essential healthcare services. Their steadfast work inspires young people to achieve their full potential and live a life of dignity.
While we see this as a successful transition, Mildmay remains committed to supporting existing projects with your backing for as long as we can.
In partnership with Kumi Hospital in Uganda, we offer placements for trainee GPs and other clinicians through our Education Exchange (EdEx) Programme.
This gives participants valuable experience in providing healthcare in resource-limited settings, enhancing their skills and understanding of healthcare in low and middle-income countries. In return, they help improve access to high-quality care for patients in Uganda, contributing to the strengthening of local health systems by sharing skills and knowledge.
Drs Helena Rochford and Amy Cleese piloted the programme in 2023.
Mildmay KENYA and Mildmay UGANDA both now operate independently - being locally registered with their own Trustee Boards and constitutions.
Although they undertake fundraising and partnership work locally, given the numerous challenges faced by countries in the Global South, they also rely on Mildmay's supporters in the UK to help fund their work.
Mildmay Uganda was Mildmay’s first international programme.
Opening in Kampala in 1998 to provide comprehensive HIV care to the public, with over 3,000 children waiting for life-saving drugs through the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
Today, Mildmay Uganda supports over 100,000 clients (13% of all people on antiretroviral therapy – ART – in Uganda. 8,000 of whom are children).
Mildmay Kenya works to empower communities to deliver HIV health care services through support, education and training.
They work to reach key affected and at-risk groups including young women, children, adolescents, MSM, and sex workers.
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.
