Uganda Global Health Program

For nearly 15 years, Dr. Christopher Tarnay, Clinical Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UCLA, has led a transformative global health initiative in Uganda in partnership with the non-profit organization Medicine for Humanity. Dedicated to addressing disparities in reproductive health and advancing medical education, the program has focused on reducing the burden of obstetric fistula and pelvic floor disorders in low-resource settings.  

Since 2008, Dr. Tarnay has served as Medical Director and President of Medicine for Humanity, spearheading a long-standing collaboration with Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital and the University of Mbarara. Under his leadership, the Center for Gynecologic and Fistula Care was established in 2018—a dedicated surgical and recovery facility that has become a regional hub for fistula repair and training.  

Through this partnership, UCLA OBGYN residents, fellows, and clinical staff have participated in global health electives in Uganda, gaining hands-on experience in advanced gynecologic surgery while contributing to meaningful cross-cultural educational exchange. Participants have worked alongside Ugandan colleagues in the operating room, on the obstetrics service, and in community outreach settings. 

This program remains one of the most impactful and enduring global collaborations within UCLA OBGYN, and it serves as a model for academic-clinical partnerships that blend service, surgical training, and capacity-building.