The world today is full of so many diseases and uncertainties. Half of the world’s population suffers from a number of diseases ranging from HIV/AIDS, cancer, hypertension, malaria, diabetes, mental illness, etc. In one way or another, we all experience the impact of these diseases, either directly or indirectly. Therefore, because of the torture and sadness caused by these illnesses, it is safe to say that the whole wide world needs compassion and love. The best therapy to offer those who are ill and needy is love, care, and closeness.

On the 11th of February, 2025, Ocer Campion Jesuit College celebrated the World Day of the Sick. The desire to continue touching lives and healing broken hearts through acts of visiting the sick and giving alms continues to run through the hearts and minds of every Ocerian. They seek to heal the world with acts of love and empathy, following in the footsteps of the Good Samaritan. On Tuesday 11th, the Ocerian community paid a visit to one of the Cancer Institutes located in Koro. The selected students and the few staff members who participated exhibited pure and unconditional love and care for the cancer patients. They comforted them with words of hope and encouraged them to pray and not feel abandoned by God during their trials and tribulations.

In addition to words of encouragement, the Ocerian community also provided the cancer patients and their caregivers with essential items such as milk, juice, soap, sugar, fruits, pads, toilet paper, and other necessities. This gesture was meant to show them that the Ocerian community cares deeply about their well-being and is willing to walk this long and challenging journey of illness with them. The team also prayed with the cancer patients and encouraged their caregivers to remain steadfast, reminding them that what the patients need most at this point in their lives is love, care, and attention.

In return, the Ocerian team received valuable lessons and information about the causes, prevention, treatment, and stages of cancer. In line with this, the African Jesuit AIDS Network (AJAN) also promotes responsibility and prevention while supporting those who are living with the disease (and their caregivers) and fighting against stigmatization and marginalization. AJAN’s work is crucial in spreading awareness and ensuring that patients and caregivers are treated with dignity and respect. Their provision of information online, much of which is presented from a human rights perspective, is central to their program strategy, making it easier for communities to access crucial knowledge about various diseases, including HIV/AIDS and cancer.

Through such initiatives, AJAN and institutions like Ocer Campion Jesuit College continue to build a world filled with hope, empathy, and love—one where those who are sick are embraced with kindness and supported in their fight for health and dignity.

By, Monica Lanyero,

AHAPPY Coordinator, Ocer Campion Jesuit College, Gulu, Uganda.