Dr. Fillippo Ciantia served as the Medical Superintendent of St. Joseph’s Hospital Kitgum from November 1982 to February 1987 under the support of AVSI NGO, which was actively working in Kitgum and across Uganda. He led the hospital through a particularly turbulent period, including the overthrow of the Ugandan government in 1986. Despite the insecurity and conflict, Dr. Ciantia ensured that hospital operations continued and that essential health services remained available to the surrounding community.
During his leadership, Dr. Ciantia lobbied for support from the Italian Government to improve the hospital’s infrastructure. Through these efforts, the hospital constructed two blocks of staff quarters and upgraded the laboratory services, significantly enhancing healthcare delivery capacity. He worked alongside his wife, Dr. Luciana, and colleague Dr. Angelo Manini, who both made valuable contributions to the hospital’s clinical and community services during this time.
In late 1987, following his impactful tenure at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Dr. Ciantia was appointed as the Kitgum District Medical Officer (DMO), continuing his commitment to public health leadership in the region.