By Delux Emmy Alomu
SOROTI CITY
A significant number of Christians from the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (P.A.G) Soroti City Main Church were found to be suffering from high blood pressure followed by elevated blood sugar levels indicating diabetes.
This concerning trend was revealed during a free medical screening event that included services like HIV testing and counseling, blood sugar assessments, hypertension evaluations, TB screening, general health consultations, and a blood donation drive at the church premises on Sunday March 15th, 2026.
The health screening was organized by the P.A.G Soroti City Church in partnership with the Soroti medical community.
Dr. John Wilson Etolu, a consultant physician at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital and a member of the P.A.G Church, led the team of healthcare professionals.
He noted that many individuals diagnosed with high blood pressure and diabetes were unaware of their health conditions, and some were identified as having TB and HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Etolu attributed the rise in high blood pressure to factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, family history of hypertension, lack of physical exercise, obesity, and high salt intake. He emphasized that these risks can be mitigated by adopting healthier lifestyle choices.
Attendees expressed enthusiasm about the screening and requested the inclusion of additional health checks, such as cancer screening, urinary tests, eye examinations, and mental health evaluations.
In line with the Ministry of Health’s preventative policies, Dr. Etolu committed that healthcare practitioners and Soroti Hospital would return biannually to conduct these screenings and tests.
He also encouraged other church denominations across the country to implement similar initiatives for the preventative screening of health conditions.
Bishop Mathew Omagor of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God Central Teso Pastorate announced a successful free health camp, aligning with the Assembly’s overarching theme for the year, “Arise and Take Dominion.”
The current month’s focus, “Arise and Take Dominion in Health,” featured various medical professionals addressing critical topics such as mental health, non-communicable diseases, and reproductive health, among others.
Bp. Omagor emphasized the collaboration between the Church and the medical community, both within and beyond the church, including the Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, to provide essential health services to the congregation.
He articulated the need for a holistic approach to ministry, one that nurtures not just spiritual lives but also addresses the physical, social, and economic well-being of individuals—a departure from the solely spiritual focus of the past.
“We are not just spiritual beings; we are physical beings. The Bible instructs us to care for our bodies, for they are temples of the Holy Spirit. It’s challenging to serve God effectively when one is unwell. Health is vitally important. Focusing solely on the spiritual leaves one’s life incomplete,” he remarked.
The bishop advocated for a balanced approach that integrates both spiritual and physical health, encouraging other churches to adopt similar initiatives.
He emphasized that participation in the health camp was voluntary, and many members of the congregation took part.
Omagor urged Christians to proactively monitor their health instead of waiting until problems arise to seek solutions.
Jorem Felix Obiol, a member of the church benefiting from the initiative, expressed his appreciation, stating that this is a valuable exercise. He emphasized that understanding both our spiritual and physical well-being is essential for maintaining strength in faith, as illness can hinder our ability to focus during prayer.
Esther Ilabu, a church elder, also voiced her gratitude for the free service. She encouraged the church authorities to pay special attention to the elderly, suggesting that they provide necessary screenings and medications, as many older individuals struggle to afford such healthcare services.
