Magazine ISSUE 1, NOVEMBER 2019
Interview with the Permanent Secretary
National Measles – Rubella and Polio Immunisation Campaign
Contents
1. EDITOR’S NOTE 2. COVER STORY- TEN AFRICAN COUNTRIES ENDORSE CROSS-BORDER COLLABORATION FRAMEWORK ON EBOLA OUTBREAK PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE 3. UGANDA LAUNCHES NATIONAL MEASLES – RUBELLA AND POLIO IMMUNISATION CAMPAIGN 4. FIRST NATIONAL ANNUAL HEALTH PROMOTION AND DISEASE PREVENTION CONFERENCE 5. NATIONAL MEDICAL STORES UNVEILS MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR SYSTEM TO IMPROVE DRUG SUPPLY CHAIN 6. REGIONAL HOSPITAL FOR PAEDIATRIC SURGERY 7. MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND WHO TEAMS VISIT KASESE DISTRICT TO ASSESS EBOLA RESPONSE 8. EBOLA PREPAREDNESS: OVER TEN MILLION DOLLARS INVESTED TO KEEP UGANDA FREE FROM EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE 9. UGANDA COMMEMORATES SECOND NATIONAL DAY OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY 10. MINISTRY OF HEALTH TO PARTNER WITH BUGANDA KINGDOM 11. BUGANDA KINGDOM HANDS OVER SICKLE CELL TEST KITS FROM THE KABAKA BIRTHDAY RUN 2019 12. UGANDA LAUNCHES NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND INJURIES COMMISSION 13. 100 DAY PLAN TO SCALE UP TUBERCULOSIS TREATMENT AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS 14. INTERVIEW WITH PERMANENT SECRETARY (NEXT PAGE) 15. UGANDA HOSTS INAUGURAL AFRICAN HEPATITIS SUMMIT 16. US SECRETARY FOR HEALTH LAUDS UGANDA’S RESPONSE TO PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES 17. NATIONAL TOBACCO CONTROL COMMITTEE INAUGURATED 18. NEW INTERVENTION TO PROTECT MORE UGANDANS FROM MALARIA 19. NATIONAL DRUG AUTHORITY EMBARKS ON CONSTRUCTION OF QUALITY CONTROL LABORATROY TOWER 20. GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES HEALTH SECTOR INTEGRATED REFUGEE RESPONSE PLAN 2019-2022 21. PICTORIAL 22. SOCIAL MEDIA CORNER
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 1
MINISTRY OF HEALTH TOP MANAGEMENT
Hon. Joyce Moriku Hon. Sarah Opendi Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Kaducu Minister of State for Health Minister for Health (General Duties) Minister of State for Health (Primary Health Care)
Dr. Diana Atwine Dr. Henry Mwebesa Mr. Ssegawa R. Permanent Secretary Ag. Director General Gyagenda Health Services Under Secretary
2 MINISTRY OF HEALTH Editor’s Note
Furthermore, in its pictorial Public Relations team, section, this magazine draws highly values feedback you into our key moments from its various followers as a sector. both on-line, offline and on social media. Since August 1st, 2018, As way appreciating the outbreak of Ebola feedback, this publication Virus Disease (EVD) in has captured some neighbouring Democratic comments on Facebook, Republic of Congo,the Twitter, Instagram and Ministry of Health has those channeled through been working with its our toll free line partners to keep the Ugandan population safe 0800-100-066 Emmanuel Ainebyoona from the deadly Ebola Senior Public Relations Officer virus. This publication, Best wishes. therefore, takes a sneak peek into some of the Emmanuel Ainebyoona, Dear Reader, Ebola preparedness Senior Public Relations activities undertaken by Officer, On behalf of the editorial team, we are the Ministry of Health pleased to bring to you highlights of to respond and prevent @ainbyoo –twitter activities and events that have shaped to several other public the health sector in the last one year. health emergencies. E-mail: This Magazine summarises the news emmanuel.ainebyoona@ events that shaped the Health sector The Ministry of Health health.go.ug in the previous financial year (2018/19) and part of the current FY (2019/20).
In addition, this publication details Editorial Team some of the major achievements posted by Ministry of Health that are Abirahmi Kananathan Contributing Writer in line with its Vision of “Having a Communications Edmond Mwebembezi healthy and productive population Officer Public Information Officer, that contributes to socio-economic WHO growth and national development.” Jacob Ampeire Public Relations Graphics and Design As way of reaching every citizen, Officer the Ministry is collaborating with Anna Grace Apolot Mutebi cultural institutions such as Buganda Nansamba Odiirah Senior Graphics Designer Kingdom to amplify its messages to Kemerwa communities at the grassroot level Public Relations Photography where public health interventions are Officer still faced with challenges that include; Sam Nalwala poor health seeking behaviour, poor sanitation and hygiene.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 3 Ten African Countries Endorse Cross-Border Collaboration Framework on Ebola outbreak Preparedness and Response
BY: World Health Organization, Uganda
Ministers of Health, WHO Regional Director and African Union members at the meeting
he Democratic Republic Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, “Resources are always limited, Tof the Congo (DRC) and its Uganda, United Republic of and there are always gaps nine neighbouring countries, Tanzania and Zambia – noted in emergency contingency during a meeting of ministers, with concern the Ebola outbreak plans. Setting up a mechanism senior health and immigration in north-eastern DRC, which has for cross-border collaboration officials and partners in Goma, continued for more than one and the sharing of assets will endorsed a joint framework year, and the increasing potential contribute to the mitigation to strengthen cross-border to spread into the neighbouring of suffering and minimize the collaboration on preparedness countries. They recognized the social and economic impact and response to Ebola virus shared threat that the outbreak of disease outbreaks,” said and other disease outbreaks. poses to health and economic H.E. Amira Elfadil Mohammed, Representatives of the 10 security in the subregion and African Union Commissioner countries – Angola, Burundi, other parts of Africa and the for Social Affairs. Central African Republic, need to develop an action plan In her opening address, Dr Republic of the Congo, the to mitigate the effects of these Matshidiso Moeti, World Democratic Republic of the threats. Health Organization (WHO)
4 MINISTRY OF HEALTH Regional Director for Africa, Control and Prevention (Africa where the meeting took place. emphasized that cross-border CDC). Participants reviewed the “Information sharing is collaboration will particularly situation of the outbreak in the improving, but we need to enhance information sharing DRC and level of preparedness bring it to an acceptable level. on disease outbreaks and by the 10 neighbouring We need countries to openly emergencies in line with the countries and discussed a road share information necessary legally binding International map for effective and sustained to save lives. Our mission Health Regulations (2005). collaboration. is to establish cross-border “In recent times, Ebola has collaboration that will cover been in the spotlight. Other “It is a good thing for the DRC all outbreaks and all public diseases also pose a significant to formalize a framework for health emergencies,” said Dr threat. These events highlight collaboration and adopt a Moeti. the immense importance of road map with its neighbouring cross-border collaboration countries on Ebola The ministers and senior to improve the sharing and preparedness and response. health and immigration exchange of information to In this way, we will be able to officials also endorsed quickly contain outbreaks, pull our resources together to the establishment of a harmonize resources, increase strengthen health security and coordination task force on EVD coordination and stop diseases safety,” and other disease outbreaks, from crossing the borders,” said which will be hosted in the Dr Moeti. said Dr Albert Biyombo, Vice African Union Commission The movement of people, Minister of Health in the DRC. headquarters in Addis Ababa. goods and services across Representatives of the Member The task force is expected to borders can heighten the risk States agreed to strengthen facilitate sustained political of transmission of infectious mechanisms for the exchange of commitment to preparedness pathogens that cause diseases, timely and accurate information and response to disease such as Ebola, cholera, measles on Ebola preparedness and outbreaks. Technical support and yellow fever. response and other health will be facilitated through “As the African Union advances security risks and noted that the WHO subregional Ebola towards implementation of withholding or falsifying partnership coordination Agenda 2063, which aspires information and data on Ebola platforms in collaboration for the political and economic violates the International Health with the Africa CDC and other integration of Africa, including Regulations and threatens partners. the free movement of people peace, security and prosperity across the continent, there will of the affected Member States Although this framework be a change. We need to be and the entire continent. does not contain any funding prepared for the risks that this commitment for emergency change poses to the continent. “We acknowledge the solidarity response and preparedness, A multi-country effort on that other African countries are WHO and the African Union/ Ebola outbreak response and showing today by organizing Africa CDC encourage preparedness will be a good this very important meeting. The countries to invest more in example of the use of our meeting will allow us to agree this area. Countries that have collective capabilities in this on communication mechanisms ramped up their preparedness regard,” said H.E. Mohammed. across borders on EVD and are better able to handle The ministerial meeting was co- a common action plan on emergencies, minimizing the organized by the Government of preparedness and response in social and economic costs of the DRC, WHO and the African case of emergencies,” outbreaks and other public Union Commission through said H.E. Carly Nzanzu Kasivita, health events. its Africa Centres for Disease Governor of North Kivu Province,
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 5 Uganda Launches National Measles – Rubella and Polio Immunisation Campaign
Dr Aceng symbolically launches the National Measles-Rubella and Polio immunization campaign
overnment of Uganda launched a children aged below nine months, that is, 20.5% Gcountrywide immunisation campaign from of the population who were targeted for the Oral 16-20 October, 2019 against Measles-Rubella Polio Vaccine. and Polio diseases targeting all children under 15 years of age. The Ministry of Health embarked on the Under this campaign, 18.1 million children were vaccination campaign in order to interrupt the targeted for immunization against Measles and Measles and Rubella outbreaks in which over Rubella and Polio which is 43% of the entire 300,000 cases were reported, 46,000 patients country’s population. Of these, 8.2 million and 587 deaths were recorded; 95% of the cases
6 MINISTRY OF HEALTH were between the 1 year and 15 years. the combined Measles-Rubella vaccine into the routine immunization schedule” she said. Launching the USD 18 million campaign in Mayuge district, Minister The World Health Organisation (WHO) Country of Health, Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Representative, Dr Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam noted that said that this mass immunisation this is one of the biggest immunization campaigns to be campaign is intended to interrupt the implemented in Africa and probably the world. current Measles-Rubella outbreaks However, according to Dr Tegegn, only 13 out of 47 countries experienced in several districts in the WHO Africa region are on track to achieve Measles across the country. “Over the last elimination. “We hope this immunization campaign will three years, Uganda has been make Uganda the fourteenth” he said. experiencing a mixed outbreak of Measles and Rubella driven by low “Vaccines are safe, effective and protect our children. immunization coverage for Measles Make sure every child is vaccinated” and not including rubella into our routine immunization schedule. We Dr Tegegn reiterated during the launch of the mass are also facing imminent threats of immunization drive. importation from the neighboring countries” she noted.
Dr Aceng noted that during the campaign, immunization in the first three days will be held in all schools (Government, Private, day and boarding) in the country while the other two days will see the campaign within designated community immunization posts. “Head teachers, please do not send any children away from school during the vaccination exercise. We need all children to be immunized” she urged.
“I am aware of certain religious sects Dr Tegegn administers the Oral Polio Vaccine into a child’s and tribes that don’t want to vaccinate mouth during the launch children. I appeal to you to bring your children for vaccination. We love your children that’s why we are providing Upon conclusion on the campaign, partial results revealed these vaccines free of charge” she that a total of 19.4 million children were immunized against appealed. Measles and Rubella while 7,329,635 million (86.2%) children were vaccinated against Polio. Dr Aceng added that the campaign will be the launching pad to introduce At the same time, the campaign was a launching pad to the Measles-Rubella vaccines into introduce the Measles-Rubella vaccine into the routine the routine immunization schedule immunization schedule of the country; replacing the of the country. “After this campaign, single Measles vaccine with the combined Measles and the administration of the single dose Rubella vaccine in the immunization schedule moving of the Measles vaccine at 9 months forward. will be immediately replaced by
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 7 A nurse administers the Measles-Rubella vaccine to a young girl in Mayuge district
During this campaign, teams of health workers This campaign was funded by the Government of moved across all villages and communities Uganda, Global Alliance for Vaccines (GAVI), World in the country with the objective of attaining Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations more than 95% immunization coverage that is Children’s Fund (UNICEF) intended to tackle public needed to interrupt transmission of measles- health challenges such as disease outbreaks. rubella and polio in Uganda.
8 MINISTRY OF HEALTH Uganda Hosts First National Annual Health Promotion And Disease Prevention Conference
he Ministry of Health with support The conference was aimed at raising awareness Tfrom partners hosted the first annual on the importance of investing in health promotion Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and disease prevention in improving primary health conference under the theme “Investing in outcomes towards the achievement of Universal health promotion and disease prevention Health Coverage (UHC), increasing economic to achieve Universal Health Coverage.” productivity, and ultimately contributing to sustainable development.
Dr Aceng and Richard Kabanda, Commissioner Health Promotion, Education and Strategic Communication arrive for the conference
epresenting the Guest of communities. “We need to invest Dr. Aceng urged district RHonor, Prime Minister of in communities and empower leaders to intensify Uganda, Rt. Hon. Ruhakana them with information. There is communication on disease Rugunda, the Minister of Health, a massive impact on economic prevention measures Hon. Dr Jane Ruth Aceng development when we invest such as using toilets or pit called for more investment in in communities” Dr Aceng said. latrines to dispose off urine
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 9 and faeces, wash hands with clean Gitahi called on Government legislations are skewed water and soap after using the toilet, of Uganda to put in place towards proper nutrition in sleep under a mosquito net every preventive legislations children and adults, there night, clear bushes and stagnant on fast foods, sweetened will be increased labour water around homesteads. This, beverages and sugar. “The production, high school she said will help address the 75% biggest threat to global attendance and cognitive preventable disease burden that the health is not terrorism, it is capacity. country is currently facing. sugar. Sugar kills more than Delivering a key note address on “The terrorism. We must take a Great Escape: Health Promotion, step to legislate sugar and prevention and communities”, CEO fast foods” he said. AMREF Health Africa, Dr Githinji Similarly, he said that when
Dr Githinji added that the Government can create a fund on health promotion where taxes can be deposited towards the promotion of healthy lifestyles.
Dr Githinji delivering the keynote address at the 1st annual Health Promotion Conference
The World Health Organisation Country Representative, Dr Yonas Permanent Secretary, Dr Diana Atwine noted that “this Tegegn Woldemariam said “We need financial year (2019/20), Government of Uganda directed to reinvigorate health promotion local government to commit at least 20% of the total Primary across all health programs and Health Care funds to health promotion initiatives. This will promote multisectoral collaboration help us focus and realign our priorities towards advancing the to address broad determinants health promotion agenda.” for health as we strive to achieve Universal Health Coverage.”
10 MINISTRY OF HEALTH Dr Diana Atwine addressing delegates during the conference
The 2-day national conference held from supervision; Reaffirm the National Health Policy 6-7 November at Speke Resort, Munyoyo II (2010-2020)’s vision, which recognizes that an concluded with a National Declaration by all empowered and healthy population is a productive key stakeholders on advancing the health population; Reaffirm that health promotion engages promotion and disease prevention agenda and empowers individuals and communities to in Uganda. Some of the key priorities in practice healthy behaviors and make changes that the declaration include; Strengthening of reduce the country’s disease burden that is largely the community health workforce, through due to preventable diseases; reaffirm the use of multi- increased investment in Primary Health faceted and sectoral approaches and strategies that Care funds for health promotion and are meant to empower the individual to take charge disease prevention efforts and support of their health.
Delegates during the conference
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 11 The conference was organized with support Reproductive Health Uganda, Pathfinder, PATH, from World Health Organization, UNICEF, Communication for Development Foundation CHC/FHI360, CHAI, USAID, Brac, Living Uganda (CDFU), Uganda Health Marketing Group Goods, AMREF Health Africa, USAID, (UHMG), Mariestopes and Healthy Entrepreneurs.
Exhibitions at the Conference
12 MINISTRY OF HEALTH National Medical Stores Unveils Multi-Million Dollar System To Improve Drug Supply Chain
ational Medical Stores (NMS) reduce cases of drug theft are stolen at the health facilities. Nhas launched the installation at health facility level as and implementation of the there is a tracking device to “With this new system in place, Enterprise Resource Planning monitor where drugs have we shall be able to track down (ERP) system dubbed ‘NMS plus’ been stolen from” Aceng individuals stealing medicines to increase accountability and said. “We have been battling and deal with them accordingly” transparency in the drug supply with cases of stolen drugs Aceng said. chain system across all health for a very long time. The facilities in the country. Government buys drugs The Permanent Secretary, to treat Ugandans free of Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana While launching the ERP charge, however a lot of Atwine lauded the Government system, Minister of Health, Hon. drugs have been getting lost of USA for funding this important Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng informed at the health facilities” she system towards improving that the new system will help in added. efficiency in the health system. managing day-to-day business “The launch of this system is including procuring, accounting The health sector procures timely as it will help us track, and ordering of drugs from NMS. enough medicines to save monitor, account and increase lives of Ugandans, however, transparency in the public eye” “The USAID funded system will most of the time, the drugs she said.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 13 The US Ambassador to Uganda, The General Manager, NMS, The ERP system costing Deborah Malac reiterated her Moses Kamabare highlighted USD 10.3 million and will be Government’s commitment the advancement in technology implemented in two major to improving service delivery noting that this new system phases; Phase I, 0 – 8 months in Uganda. “Last year, my would eliminate the use of will involve transfer to NMS’ Government donated over USD paper work thus saving millions new warehouse in Kajjansi 500 million, making it the largest of shillings spent in delivering while Phase II will last for single donor to Uganda’s health medical supplies orders. 19 – 60 months focusing on system” she informed. implementation at health “This new system will wipe facility level across the country. Malac glorified the launch of out the negative mentality National Medical Stores is the ERP system as the latest looming over NMS that we were tasked with procuring, storing milestone in exhibiting a strong supplying empty boxes and and distributing essential partnership between Uganda, drugs that the health facilities medicines and medical USA and other partners in did not ask for” he said. supplies and vaccines to all accelerating Uganda’s progress Government health facilities towards an effective supply throughout the country. chain system.
REGIONAL HOSPITAL FOR PAEDIATRIC SURGERY SET TO OPEN IN APRIL 2020
14 MINISTRY OF HEALTH ituated on 30 acres of land in Banga, surgical services for children under 15 years of age SEntebbe facing the second largest for;General Paediatric Surgery,Paediatric anomalies freshwater lake in the world, Lake Victoria is of Gastro-Intestinal Tract, Disease of Hepatobillary state of the art Regional hospital for Paediatric System, Pancreas and Spleen, paediatric urology Surgery which will offer free paeditric surgery and gynaecology. for children aged 0-14 years both in Uganda and the region. Leading a high level delegation on a tour of the facility, Hon. Dr Jane Ruth Aceng said“there is no This Ushs. 117.9 billion Teaching Hospital is being selection criteria, all children are eligible to receive constructed by the Government of Uganda free treatment as long as it is a general surgical case, in partnership with Emergency, an Italian any abnormality that we need to attend, among based organization. The hospital will provide other services.”
“On behalf of Government of Uganda, we would like to thank Emergency for choosing Uganda as one of the benefitting countries from the African Network for Medical Excellence Program and constructing a center of excellence for Pediatric surgery” Dr. Aceng added.
Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Matia Kasaija informed that Government of Uganda has provided a total of Shs. 22.58billion towards the construction of this hospital with shs. 10.6billion in FY 2017/18 and Shs. 1billion has been provided in this financial year, 2019/20.
“The Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Health is contributing 20% of the project cost, while Emergency is contributing 30%. The remaining 50% of the costs will be sourced from donors” Kasaija added.
“It is our expectation that the hospital services will be of high quality and I am happy to know Dr. Diana and Dr. Aceng Interact with the contractors during that services will be free of charge the tour of the Regional hospital of Peadiatric Surgery for all patients” Hon. Kasaija said.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 15 In her remarks, Permanent Secretary, Dr. pharmacy, ancillary services and a 40 bed capacity Diana Atwine said “having a separate facility guest house for patients’ relatives. for paediatric services is a step forward to The construction of this hospital was flagged off improving child health and overall development by the President of Uganda, H. E. President Yoweri of Uganda.” Kaguta Museveni in June 2016 and progress of works currently stands at 80% with finishing, The President of Emergency, Rossella Miccio installation of electrical and mechanical equipment noted that Emergency will equip the hospital to be completed. The hospital will be open to the as well as build capacity of paediatricians at general public in April 2020. the facility. “Free services at the hospital will start after the official opening in April 2020” she The high level delegation comprised of Minister added. of Health, Hon. Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, Minister for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, The 72 bed capacity hospital is comprised of 3 Hon. Matia Kasaija, Permanent Secretary of operating theatres,6 bed paediatric Intensive Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine, the leadership Care Units (ICU), 16 bed High Dependency Unit, of Entebbe Municipality, teams from Ministry of 50 bed ward, Outpatient department, Laboratory Health and the media. and blood bank, diagnostics, physiotherapy,
MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO) TEAMS VISIT KASESE DISTRICT TO ASSESS EBOLA RESPONSE
16 MINISTRY OF HEALTH their efforts in the EVD response in Kasese District. “Our strength “I want to appreciate you for a number of things; Vaccination – without vaccination, I don’t know where the outbreak in lies in the DRC will be. Vaccination works and is over 90% effective. communities and Cross border collaboration – I appreciate DRC for they have been very good and willing to give us information at all times.” community led Dr Matshidiso Moeti lauded the leadership of Government of response.” Uganda and partners for their concerted efforts to contain the EVD outbreak saying “Thank you for acknowledging the importance of the investment in EVD preparedness”
s the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) “I commend Uganda for its quick response to the Ebola outbreak continues to ravage A outbreak,” Dr Moeti said. “I spoke with health authorities who neighboring Democratic Republic told me how the training they had received in detecting the of Congo (DRC), Uganda has not disease meant they were on high alert for patients with any registered any new confirmed case signs of infection. They were able to move swiftly when the of EVD since the last confirmation on first Ebola cases arrived in their health facility and to restrict 15th June 2019. possible exposure to relatively few health workers.”
The Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. The District Health Officer (DHO), Kasese District, DrBaseka Jane Ruth Aceng led the World Yusuf noted that since the declaration of the EVD outbreak Health Organization (WHO) Regional of 11th June 2019, “we have had a total of 14 suspects who all Director for Africa, Dr. Matshidiso tested negative for Ebola.” Moeti and other teams from Ministry of Health and WHO Uganda Office While over 100 contacts are under follow up, a total of 1,063 on a half day visit to Kasese District individuals have been vaccinated against EVD in the current where the three cases of EVD were ring vaccination exercise in Kasese District. The individuals confirmed. who were vaccinated include; contacts, contacts of contacts, frontline health workers and UPDF staff. Dr. Aceng commended the Kasese Previously, ring vaccination yielded significant results during District Task Force for their intensified the 2014 deadly Ebola outbreak in West Africa and now in efforts in containing the EVD outbreak DRC in the district. She pointed out the . strength of community engagement The Ministry of Health and WHO teams also visited Bwera in preventing the spread of EVD to Hospital and Mpondwe border points to assess screening and other parts of Uganda. vaccination activities. With support from Center for Disease Control (CDC), Bwera hospital hosts a mobile laboratory which “Our strength lies in the communities tests all blood samples for the Ebola Zaire strain presenting and community led response.” presumptive results within two hours. Thank you very much for listening to the communities because the The Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Masereka Joshua community is one of the game applauded Dr Jane Aceng for the visits to the district ever changers. When we get to the since the EVD outbreak was declared. He added that “I have community, that is when we are able no doubt that Kasese will be declared Ebola free soon.” to respond” Dr Aceng said. Uganda has been in preparedness mode over 10 months ever since the Ebola outbreak was declared in DRC on August 01st Dr Aceng also appreciated the WHO 2018 and this enabled a swift transition to the now response and other international partners for mode.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 17 EBOLA PREPAREDNESS: OVER TEN MILLION DOLLARS INVESTED TO KEEP UGANDA FREE FROM EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE
inistry of Health convened 2018, when the outbreak in deadly outbreak away from our Man accountability forum DRC was declared” she said. borders and this is due to the with all key stakeholders in Ebola She attributed Uganda’s commitment of the government Virus Disease (EVD) preparedness preparedness to the and partners, however, we to receive information and continuous information flow should not relax. The outbreak is transparency reports to strengthen from Ministry of Health DRC. getting worse and Uganda is at engagement among partners “Our counterpart in DRC is a risk of a spillover” he said. for better coordinated and doing a good job in keeping Government of Uganda and comprehensive preparedness and us updated at all times with partners have so far invested response efforts. information pertaining to over 18 million dollars in this outbreak and this has EVD preparedness. The In her opening remarks, Hon. allowed us to keep the funds have been utilized to Minister for Health, Dr. Jane Ruth deadly disease away from implement various activities Acengnoted that the situation in the country” she said.” under the different pillars of the DRC is scary and called for a move preparedness and response. from preparedness to readiness Representing the World mode. “We need to ensure that Health Organization (WHO) Under case management, Ebola Uganda is ready to respond not country representative, Treatment Units (ETUs) have only to the deadly EVD outbreak DrBayoFatumbilauded the been constructed in the districts but other disease outbreaks, this exemplary leadership of the of; Wakiso (Entebbe), Kasese way we shall have achieved the Government of Uganda. “Our (Bwera), Kikuube, Bundibugyo, dedication and time we have joint and concerted efforts Kabarole and Ntoroko districts. collectively invested since August have allowed us to keep this Two additional ETUs are under
18 MINISTRY OF HEALTH construction in Kanungu district trained Village Health Teams partnerswhich have been and Naguru in Kampala city. (VHTs), civic leaders, religious deployed at the high-risk Isolation units have also been and cultural leaders and districts to enhance EVD established in Arua, Gulu and volunteers. monitoring and surveillance. Mbarara districts. While progress was reported, A total of 526 health workers in Radio talk shows, the meeting unanimously 14 districts have been trained announcements and agreed that a lot more needs on the appropriate handling of television messages have to be done in critical areas such suspected EVD patients and complemented the awareness as waste management and ensuring sufficient protection activities and currently, 21 FM sustainable infrastructure. measures for themselves. radio stations in 30 districts are Strengthened cross border broadcasting EVD messages. collaboration, intensified Over 9,000 health workers Printed materials such as community engagement and in 562 health units located posters, leaflets and fliers rolling out of preparedness in 11 high-risk districts of the in English and at least ten activities to other districts in Rwenzori region have been local languages have been Uganda that share a border with oriented and trained in Infection also distributed among the DRC were highlighted as urgent. Prevention and Control (IPC). communities. This is paramount to the EVD Ministry of Health appreciates response as many health All staff at Points of Entry all partners including the World workers are known to have (PoE) including Entebbe Health Organization (WHO) acquired the infection, lost their International Airport United Nations Children’s Fund lives due to poor IPC practices undergone training in EVD (UNICEF), United Nations High in previous disease outbreaks. detection as well as equipped Commissioner for Refugees In a move to reduce infection with infrared thermometers (UNHCR), World Food Program among EVD responders, with and thermoscanners. This will (WFP), Center for Disease support from partners, the facilitate the rapid screening Control (CDC), United States Ministry of Health vaccinated of travellers for EVD. Over 150 Agency for International a total of 4,419 frontline health EVD suspected people have Development (USAID), workers in 13 districts against been detected through these Department for International the current Ebola-Zaire virus efforts, samples collected Development (DFID), Irish AID, subtype in DRC. and tested at the Uganda International Organization on Virus Institute (UVRI) and and Migration, Médecins Sans Under the risk communication fortunately, all tested negative Frontières, Samaritan Purse, and social mobilization arm, for the disease. Save the Children, Uganda over two million people The Ministry of Health Red Cross Society for their have been reached through also acquired five brand continuous cooperation in interpersonal communication new ambulances and forty ensuring that Uganda is Ebola and house to house visits using motorcycles from various free.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 19 UGANDA COMMEMORATES SECOND NATIONAL DAY OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Mwesigye Thomas was up as early queues as they were whisked Kololo Independence Grounds as 5:00am on a rather chilly Sunday by security officials before to achieve a unified goal morning to mark his responsibility making their way for warm “Exercise to be healthy.” The in keeping fit and healthy by taking up activities at the sprawling day kicked off with various part in the commemoration of the Kololo Independence aerobic activities such as second national day of physical Grounds, Thomas says “I look Sukuma dance, Zumba dance, activity. The day was held under forward to this annual event stretches and later a 5km trek the theme as we come from various by the President of Uganda, “My health, My responsibility.” parts of the city and suburbs H E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. to join the President to trek On the sidelines of the event, “I wake up as early as 5:00am and break a few sweats.” individuals were offered free every day and jog for at least 5km screening services for Non- so that I am fit and energetic to On the 14th of July 2019, Communicable Diseases kick start my day” the 23-year-old individuals spanning across (NCDs), one of the strategies says. different age brackets, the Government is employing socioeconomic status, size to combat the growing burden Joining hundreds of people in long and weight converged at of NCDs.
A health worker tests an individual for Sickle Cell Disease at the event
20 MINISTRY OF HEALTH In his remarks, The President Communicable Diseases suicidal. If you love eating too of Uganda, H E Yoweri Kaguta (NCDs) to enable the public much, you should exercise to Museveni called upon Ugandans comprehend and act burn the extra fat accumulated. to regularly exercise and eat appropriately. Storing fat in the body will healthy saying that ‘neglect is cause you many diseases” he abuse of the body.’ President Museveni said. “These diseases come because cautioned the public against you have abused your body. drug and alcohol abuse, The Minister for Health, Hon. These diseases need to be saying it has consequences. “I Dr Jane Ruth Aceng re-echoed communicated and explained in am 74 years old with no blood that “the commemoration of the local languages,” pressure or diabetes. From this day is symbolic for the 100kg, I have been able to importance of physical activity- President Museveni added. He knock off 20kg because of my however, regular exercise emphasized that doctors and fitness activities.” should be part and parcel of medics must contextualize and “Being fat is abnormal and your daily routine.” simplify the phenomenon of Non-
Participants stretching during the event
“3.2% of Ugandans have diabetes. World Health Organization them” he said. Those with heart diseases are at 6%, (WHO) Country Dr Yonas urged the public 350 people out of every 100,000 Representative, Dr Yonas to change their lifestyles have cancer while 8,000 new cases Tegegn Woldemariam saying “be moderate with of cancer are recorded annually” noted that NCDs are a alcohol, stop taking tobacco Aceng pointed out. growing public health and decrease consumption In order to prevent NCDs, Dr Aceng problem. “To tackle them, of foods with high sugar. urged the population to engage in looking into treatment Physical activity will not only the physical activity in its various won’t be the solution, it’s prevent NCDs but increase forms like dancing, cycling, jogging, not financially sustainable. productivity” he stressed. brisk walking and digging. The best way is to prevent
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 21 Dr Yonas also applauded Executive Director, Uganda public that the risk of diabetes President Museveni for Cancer Institute, Dr Jackson reduces by 58% when one recognizing NCDs as a Orem said while explaining the exercises. “When you exercise, it national priority. “Uganda has relationship between physical burns the excess sugar. Exercise set a very important and high activity and cancer. also unclogs fats around the standard globally by taking Dr John Omagino Executive blood vessels” he explained. physical activity as a national Director, Uganda Heart Institute event,” he said. (UHI), said life is structured like President Museveni later led the a pump. “Life is like a pump. You crowds in a 5 km trek beginning Dr Bruce Kirenga, from the must burn excess things in the from the commemoration Lung Institute, said “Physical body. 1 in every 4 Ugandans is venue, down to Lugogo Bypass, activity reduces chronic overweight” Dr Omagino said. Jinja Road, to Airtel Roundabout disease by 42%. When you The good news, however, is and turned off at Wampewo exercise, the lungs open up that 85% of cardiovascular Avenue before heading back to and take in more air.” disease is prevented through the venue. “Physical activity reduces physical exercise. the risk of inflammation and improves the body’s immunity. The president of Uganda It leads to a reduction in Diabetes Association, Dr malignant (cancerous) cells” William Lumu, informed the
President Museveni leads the crowds in a trek around Kampala City
Subsequently, the President example; children had a play up for the free NCD screening launched a book titled, area with a children bouncing services provided. “Presidential Initiative on castle and soccer, games Healthy Eating and Healthy such as football, volleyball The Ministry of Health has Lifestyle” to inform the public and netball colored part of the earmarked every second Sunday of the benefits of living a event venue. Half of the venue of July as National Day of Physical healthy lifestyle. was filled with participants Activity to raise awareness on the The full day commemoration dancing as a way to burn importance of regular exercise as event was colored with fun excess fat and keep fit while one of the ways to curb the growing and calorie burning activities another section of the venue burden of Non-Communicable suitable for all age groups. For had scores of individuals turn Diseases in Uganda.
22 MINISTRY OF HEALTH MINISTRY OF HEALTH TO PARTNER WITH BUGANDA KINGDOM TO PROMOTE GOOD HEALTH
he Ministry of Health has unveiled plans to sign Dr. Atwine appreciated the Buganda Ta Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kingdom for their strengthened partnership the Buganda Kingdom to promote various aspects in raising awareness against sickle cell of disease prevention such as immunization, good disease both in the region and countrywide. sanitation and hygiene practices. “We have many people testing for sickle cell disease now and we owe this to the great This was disclosed during a meeting at Bulange, sensitization messages delivered by the Mengo with a team from Ministry of Health led by Kabaka” she noted. the Permanent Secretary, Dr Diana Atwine and a team from Buganda Kingdom led by KatikkiroOwek. Charles Peter Mayiga.
r. Atwine called for the same zeal and support Owek. Mayiga reiterated the Kingdom’s Din other aspects of disease prevention saying commitment in prioritizing health of Ugandans to “we can leverage that interest and collaboration ensure a healthy and productive population.“The to strengthen our public health interventions in Kingdom will do everything it can to deliver the Kingdom.” She added that the primary focus health messages to people up to the last man will be on immunization. “Buganda is among the in the village so that together we have a healthy regions with high dropout rates for immunization population” he said. among children” Dr Atwine said.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 23 The Katikkiro further said that both institutions of pregnant mothers delivering at health facilities have previously worked together but “now we and create awareness among the population on want to formalize the arrangement by signing a adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviours. MOU and we prioritize areas where we feel the The Ministry of Health and Buganda Kingdom will biggest impact will be felt” he said. sign a Memorandum of Understanding by the end of August 2019 to improve health service delivery The partnership with Buganda Kingdom will among Ugandans. also intensify sensitization on the significance
BUGANDA KINGDOM HANDS OVER SICKLE CELL TEST KITS FROM THE KABAKA BIRTHDAY RUN 2019
Dr Aceng receives the sickle cell test kits from Owek. Hajji. Dr Twaha Kigongo
he Buganda Kingdom officially conducted a nationwide to a approximately 5,200,000 Thanded over Sickle Cell test survey to map the burden of individuals as carriers across kits procured with proceeds from Sickle Cell Disease across the country while prevalence the Kabaka Birthday Run, 2019, the country. The results of of Sickle Cell disease stands to the Ministry of Health as part the survey indicated a high at 0.73%. A carrier is a person of the Kingdom’s efforts to fight burden of the disease across who has one gene for sickle Sickle Cell Disease in Uganda. the country with the national hemoglobin and one gene for average for sickle cell trait normal hemoglobin. People In 2015, the Ministry of Health prevalence at 13.3% translating who are carriers generally do
24 MINISTRY OF HEALTH not have any medical problems episodes of severe pain and support and partnership from and lead normal lives. The survey acute illness. These episodes the Buganda Kingdom in also informed that 20,000 babies result from the sticky and stiff raising awareness about the are born with sickle cell disease red blood cells which clog disease and their contribution each year, but by 5 years, 80% tiny blood vessels. in reducing deaths due to succumb to the disease. Sickle Cell Disease, in a three- While receiving the test kits year partnership, through Sickle cell is an inherited on behalf of Ministry of Health, mobilizing and sensitizing the blood disorder which causes the Minister of Health Dr Jane population. progressive organ damage and Ruth Aceng appreciated the
Dr Diana Atwine calls upon the public during the Kabaka Birthday Run 2019 to embrace testing for SCD
The Commissioner, National people are aware of the disease according to one’s desire Health Laboratory and Diagnosis and more people test for the and ability. To date in Services, Dr. Susan Nabadda disease” Dr Nabadda said. Uganda, only Buganda attributed a significant increase The 2019 Kabaka Birthday Run region has a name for sickle in mass awareness of sickle was attended by participants cell disease, “Nalubiri” in the cell disease from 2% to 30-40% from across Uganda; with local dialect. to the strong partnership with runners completing a distance the Buganda Kingdom. “More of 5km, 10km and 21km
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 25 Participants running during the Kabaka Birthday Run 2019
UGANDA LAUNCHES NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND INJURIES COMMISSION
he Ministry of Health health system readiness, in Uganda, determine priority Tworking with partners and potential expansion of strategies to address this burden launched the Non- health system interventions and quantify the resource gap in Communicable Diseases and in Uganda. implementing strategies in terms Injuries (NDCI) commission at of finances, human resources and a breakfast meeting held in The analysis of this governance. Kampala. commission will be undertaken at national or Representing the Director The commission launched sub-national level, focusing General Health Services, Dr. under the theme “Reframing on populations living in Henry Mwebesa, Commissioner the agenda for NCDs and extreme poverty. for Clinical Services, Dr. Jackson Injuries in Uganda” will collect, Amone underscored the analyze, and report information Specifically, the commission importance of this commission in to demonstrate the national is tasked to analyze the tackling the growing burden Non- burden of NCDIs, current disease burden of NCDIs Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
26 MINISTRY OF HEALTH he Ministry of Health importance of this commission Sunday of July as the National Day Tworking with partners in tackling the growing of Physical activity. This, he said, launched the Non- burden Non-Communicable was aimed to raise awareness on Communicable Diseases and Diseases (NCDs) in Uganda. the importance of Physical activity Injuries (NDCI) commission “This commission will come up in tackling NCDs among the at a breakfast meeting held with a report that will seek to population. in Kampala. influence policies and priorities and mobilize investments at Additionally, the Ministry of Health The commission launched both global and national levels has elevated the NCD Program under the theme “Reframing to address the burden of NCDIs to a Department of the Ministry. the agenda for NCDs and in Uganda” he said. “We have also included some Injuries in Uganda” will of the key NCD medicines in the collect, analyze, and report “I am happy to launch this Uganda Essential Medicines List” information to demonstrate commission and I call upon all Dr Mugabe noted. the national burden of you experts in your different The Uganda NCDI commission NCDIs, current health system capacities to play an active brings together a group of multi- readiness, and potential role in this commission as we sectoral experts representing expansion of health system build a case to advocate for public sector health authorities, interventions in Uganda. more funding towards NCDI clinical specialists, technical prevention and control in advisors, academicians and The analysis of this Uganda” Dr. Amone said while advocates for NCDIs to discuss commission will be launching the commission. and analyze national level NCDI undertaken at national or prevalence, service delivery, sub-national level, focusing Acting Commissioner in charge access, financing and policy. on populations living in of the NCD Department at the extreme poverty. Ministry of Health and chair The commission is under the of the commission, Dr. Gerald global Lancet Commission on Specifically, the commission Mutungi welcomed the launch Reframing NCDs and Injuries for is tasked to analyze the as a key step in reducing the the poorest Billion. An initiative disease burden of NCDIs deaths due to avoidable causes. that has supported over 15 low and in Uganda, determine He called upon stakeholders lower-middle income countries priority strategies to to increase awareness among across the world to identify priority address this burden and the masses to go for early and interventions to address the quantify the resource gap regular screening and adopt growing NCD burden. in implementing strategies healthy behaviours to avoid in terms of finances, human NCDs. In Uganda, according the 2014 resources and governance. NCD survey, 33% of annual deaths While highlighting the steps are attributed to the five leading Representing the Director taken by Government of Uganda NCDs; cardio-vascular diseases, General Health Services, to address the growing burden cancers, diabetes, Chronic Dr. Henry Mwebesa, of NCDs, the Principal Medical Respiratory Diseases and Mental Commissioner for Clinical Officer, Dr. Frank Mugabe Health and Substance Abuse. Services, Dr. Jackson highlighted that Government Amone underscored the has earmarked every second
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 27 100 DAY PLAN TO SCALE UP TUBERCULOSIS TREATMENT AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS Approximately 336,735 where Ministry of Health with 2010 to 26,000 in 2018. APeople Living with HIV/ support from partners launched AIDS (PLHIV) have been an accelerated 100 day plan to “Our statistics indicate that enrolled on Tuberculosis scale up Tuberculosis treatment annually 83,000 cases of TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) among PLHIV. occur, but only 50 percent of them superseding the estimated are diagnosed and started on 304,391 target placing While launching this accelerated treatment” Dr Aceng noted. “For performance for the 100- plan, Minister of Health, the HIV epidemic, the Ministry of day campaign at 110.6%. Hon. Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Health and partners, have over Approximately 3,379 non said that Uganda has borne time implemented HIV prevention PHLIV children under five disproportionate burdens of HIV and treatment interventions years have been enrolled on and Tuberculosis (TB) over the that have resulted in significant Isoniazid Preventive Therapy years. Dr Aceng highlighted that epidemic contraction in the last (IPT). the number of new HIV infections five years” she added, however were estimated at 53,000 in 2018 “these achievements contrasts This is against the backdrop compared to 130,000 in 2010. with the big burden of TB that to scale up TB treatment There was a decline in AIDS continues to be reported in the among PLHIV in Uganda; related deaths from 60,000 in country.”
Health worker attend to TB patients during World TB Day in Ntungamo District (Source: WHO Uganda)
28 MINISTRY OF HEALTH The launch took place in three- Isoniazide prophylaxis” she The US Ambassador to fold aiming to raise awareness in said. Uganda, Deborah Malac lauded preventing the two epidemics; Government of Uganda for HIV and Tuberculosis in The overall goal of the 100- launching an ambitious plan and Uganda, implementation of Day Accelerated IPT Scale moving in the right direction. evidence based interventions to Up Plan is to enroll 300,000 “Great achievements needs control the two epidemics and PLHIV on isoniazid preventive ambitious plans and Uganda has mobilization of key stakeholders. therapy, scale up IPT initiation a good record in achieving high of children living with HIV targets” she noted. According to the global 2018 and under-5 TB contacts at UNAIDS report, 32% of AIDS 1,947 AntiRetroviral Therapy The World Health Organization related deaths were a result of (ART) sites and ensure (WHO) Country Representative, Tuberculosis. Justifying the need 100% completion by 30th Dr Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam for TPT, Dr Aceng pointed out September 2019. called for improved collaboration that “these needless deaths can across health programs for be prevented using a low-cost Specifically, the plan will harmonized and integrated medicine- isoniazid, that lowers mobilize a DHO- led multi- policies and service delivery. the risk of suffering from TB by stakeholder engagement He noted that this will help in up to 60% among people living for accelerated IPT achieving prevention, timely with HIV.” implementation and diagnosis and treatment of TB increased accountability, among PLHIV. She further said that Isoniazid enhance IPT completion rates Preventive Treatment has been to 100% of individuals that Dr Tegegn, however said that shown to work synergistically initiated on IPT in the quarters “unless HIV programs scale up with anti-retroviral treatment of October to December interventions to close these gaps (ART) to reduce the incidence 2018, and January-February in prevention, diagnosis and of TB among PLHIV. “For the 2019. Furthermore, the plan treatment, we will not meet our prevention of tuberculosis will enhance systems for common targets – we cannot among PLHIV, we are therefore IPT delivery, monitoring and reduce HIV mortality without prioritizing the scale up of reporting of IPT outcomes. addressing the main cause: TB.”
(L-R) Amb. Deborah Malac, Dr Tegegn and Hon. Aceng commit to End TB in Uganda
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 29 The Permanent Secretary, Dr Diana Atwine under 5 years of age who are contacts of TB patients said “in last two weeks prior to the launch we with this life saving intervention.” have noted exponential increase from as low as 4000-5000 per week to over 10000 PLHIV Dr Atwine appealed to all District Health Officers on IPT in the last week. This is a sign that it is (DHOs) to take lead and ensure all PLHIV and contacts possible to reach all our PLHIV and children of TB patients start on the preventive therapy.
Dr Atwine signs on the commitment board pledging her support and commitment to implement the Preventive Therapy Scale Up Plan The Government of Uganda continues to response focusing on the Fast Track interventions for scale up of combination HIV prevention epidemic control by 2020 and ending AIDS by 2030. interventions including structural, behavioural Similarly, for Tuberculosis, Ministry of Health focuses and biomedical interventions. The Ministry on TB prevention interventions as well as intensified of Health is implementing a public health case finding and treatment.
A health worker conducts a health education session with TB patients at the MDR-TB section in Lira Hospital (Source: Courtesy)
30 MINISTRY OF HEALTH Interview with Permanent Secretary
Moonlighting must stop!
Following a number of Health- related issues taking precedence Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary in the media and social media, the Ministry of Health Ministry of Health Public Relations team had a one-on-one with the continue to improve on involve multi-sectoral level. Permanent Secretary, Dr Diana areas of accountability to That is why we now have an Atwine to highlight and clarify these ensure both resources of inter-ministerial committee and issues. government and partners joint meetings to prioritise all are well utilised and those programmes. That means 1. You are almost making four accounted for. we cannot do this alone as a years as the Permanent Secretary The third one is in budget Ministry but must work with in the Ministry of Health since your planning and execution other ministries such as local appointment. How do you rate the where we want all people government. We want them to health sector’scurrent performance? to participate in planning. improve in communicating and For example, we should the President has reminded us Transformation is a process but prioritise and target our on this over and over again. We not an event. It’s like a journey, so work plans to the budget have improved and that is why the improvements continue taking so that collectively, we we do these media breakfast place. We cannot say we are where own and implement that meetings so that we provide we want to be but we know where process together. information to the public we have come from and there are a The fourth, we restructured regularly. number of improvements. There are the Ministry of Health and some changes we have brought in: we continue expanding 2. The sector has had a number The first one, although it has not these structures not only of challenges like resource been completed but we have started at the headquarters but wastage, underutilisation and on seriously is on performance also at other hospitals, poor accountability. How are management. We want to do proper most especially the you handling these issues? performance management where new hospitals. We hope people can show both individual and that the Health Service To improve value for money, we collective results. And also there is a Commission can conclude wanted to focus on interventions mechanism of assessment. We are the process for us to have that we can do to optimise the trying to change from the traditional the right workforce and little resources we get and one appraisal but also look at out-put then we are ready to go. of them is that the process has and targets. This will help us know The other one is on been slow but I am happy to what we have achieved individually, disease prevention. We note that a number of cars on as departments but also as a sector. want to go beyond the our fleet are being trucked, we Secondly, as management we Ministry of Health and have instituted a car tracking
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 31 system in our cars because that accountability and value Working together with the way, we shall be able to control for money. That is why in Office of the Prime Minister, Bio- the usage. We shall be able to our recent constructions, metrics installed at some health tag the fuel to accountabilities. the Current Uganda facilities has shown that there Once the car is tracked, this can Intergovernmental Project, was a reduction in absenteeism. enable the Ministry to utilise its you find that amount of But we have also seen that there fleet responsibly. money we are using to is presenteeism. However, with construct ourbigger health digitalisation, we must attach Secondly, the Ministry of Health facilitiesis less than before. results, not someone just coming has the largest fleet compared to We have beenable to cut to a facility. Instead,s/he should other Ministries but our cars were the total costs by a third. attach what has been done while not being properlyutilised and at work. We are beginning with maintained. You would find many 4. Do we have examples to big hospitals of Mulago, Kiruddu, cars parked when they have show this kind of reduction Kawempe, MulagoSpecialised no tyres and no maintenance in the cost of constructing Women and NeonatalHospital. service. But ever since we health facilities? instituted that in-service, we In the next three four years subject have saved a lot of money and We have about 124 health to the availability of resources, we have been able to do more. The facilities. We are just shall ensure medicine is dispensed money that we were using two finalising in the sub-counties. and recorded with the National years ago was more but we were But when compared to Identification Number (NIN) where maintaining fewer cars. We are a previous project where we have all the particulars and now using less moneyandmore we constructed eight-bed no one can forge. We are moving cars compared to previously. maternity facilities with water towards that and we hope that tanks and solar, together it towards the end of the year, many 3. Before we leave the use of cost us UGX1.4billion.But facilities will beon board. We are cars, there have been a number now, we are constructing 30- looking for resources to do the of pictures on social media bed maternity facilitieswith border regional referrals because showing Ministry vehicles being latrines and walk-ways at they are near the borders where used to ferry grass, animals, UGX500million. This means there are problems of drug theft. eggs and bricks. Have the we have cut the cost by The system is in place in Moroto, officers been reprimanded? two quarters of what it was. Naguru, Masaka and Mbarara. But it did not just come; it But we want to enhance the Anyone, who has miss- has taken a firm stand of no system’s capacity by buying more used a vehicle has been wastage and ensuring that computers. held accountable and no we get real value. One can one has walked away scot- go and tell the difference Still with this digitalisation, we want free. Even those that were in between these projects. I to introduce a dash board. This will Local Government were held believe that the people in have coordinates to locate where accountable. A driver upcountry, the districts can see that a the person is located. We are in seen ferrying bricks was lot has changed. the process of developing it. We sacked whereas that one here shall first use it for Measles Rubella at the centre had their vehicle We are trying to introduce Campaign thereafter for mosquito withdrawn. digitalisation because net distribution and support we have realised that it is supervision. This dash board is Though that practice is not necessary if we are to cut extremely an important technology, very easy, we are enforcing down on absenteeism. since it is accessible on phone. As
32 MINISTRY OF HEALTH soon as you log in, the GPS will 300 facilities that are well- take you to the facility where equipped and improved. 7. There is a challenge of paying you want to ascertain whether a We are working on for utilities such aselectricity and certain health worker was at the establishing neonatal units water in our hospitals. Has this facility for work. and high dependence in our been addressed? lower facilities to cut down on 5. What major hospital projects infant and neonatal mortality. Handling of utilities in our facilities have youundertaken recently? We are going to ensure that has been a sticky issue because it these facilities are equipped is all about funding where by some We have renovation and with incubators and our of you find they can’t afford to remodeling of Mulago. However, staff trained at least to give connect water. Electricity is cut off it is unfortunate that we have basic care for underweight and can’t be reconnected. This has delayed to conclude because of and pre-term babies that been an issue because of lack of funding gaps. But we have got we are losing. We have money. But we have tried to engage money and the work will soon also trained a number of UMEME and the Ministry of Energy, be completed. By the end of this anesthetic officers and we to make sure that we prioritise year, we hope the hospital will are working on posting them health facilities to be put on the be up and running. We shall stick to Health Centres IVs which national grid but where they can’t, to our super-specialised status are currently our top priority. we have put solar. Additionally, because our population does The other area we want we are engaging them over the not differentiate where to go and to focus on is training possibility ofgiving us special rates not go. That is why Kawempe is specialists. This year, we because these are social services. full of babies who could have had a plan but it remained We have initiated the discussions been delivered in lower units. an unfunded priority. That but the issues largely resolve The others, include; Women’s training will go a long around money. We are grateful to Hospital, then Kawempe and way with equipping these the Ministry of Finance because Kiruddu. Kayunga and Yumbe facilities. We are working with for Regional Referral Hospitals, Hospitals we are almost Philips and General Electric have been added more money for complete whereas for Kawolo, (GE), to equip a number of utilities but for the lower hospitals, we are waiting for a date when health facilities. We are at we are still struggling with high we can handover the completed a stage of discussion and bills. works officially. consultation. 8. Kawempe Hospital was in the By December, most of the 124 6. Talking about equipment, news due to an overwhelming Health Centre IIIs in the sub- most especially imaging number of babies. What is counties, would have been some are non-functional being done to improve services completed. We have upgraded and poorly maintained. at all public health facilities health centre IVs to hospitals What is being done countrywide? these, include; Kasana Health to ensure presence of IV, Koboko, Kaberamaido and functional medical The solution lies in strengthening Mukono. We are also doing equipment? the referral system and we continue infrastructure upgrade. We are to make a case to ensure that those also doing 64 Health CentreIIIs It is actually true because hospitals especially where there is this year; this makes it 188. We we never had funds to do a high patient burden are prioritised are going to start on about 80 maintenance. But when new when we are putting equipment/ facilities by improving on their equipment is finally installed InKawempe Hospital, for instance, infrastructure. By end of next by Phillips and GE, they are this can be achieved when we year, we want to have about also going to do servicing. also deploy the necessary human
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 33 resource. It is also important hospital. We shall never have districts’ the District Health to ensure that mothers deliver enough accommodation but Officers (who are expected from lower health units such that should be able to use what is to enforce accountability. only referred cases come to the available to deliver services. We want to ensure that hospital. It also about ensuring accountability for drugs that the lower health facilities 11. Do you think the cases becomes a deliverable for the are well equipped, staffed and of neglect of duty and in chargeof a health facility supervised. negligence by health workers such that every quarter, they have been addressed? report on the medicines 9. You hinted on implementation entrusted to them. of a new staff structure. Do Not completely but to some you think this has improved on extent, the absenteeism has 14. Do you have any other effectiveness of service delivery? reduced. Neglect is still there information you would like but we hope that once we to pass onto Ugandans For now, we have not improved have a very strong regulatory regarding their Health and because we have not fully framework this will be their responsibility as they recruited all the personnel addressed. For sure, I continue seek health services? required both at the headquarters to hear of patients who are and at these National Referral neglected. However, we have Health is indeed our Hospitals. The Health service been organising mindset responsibility to ensure that commission is still recruiting to fill changing retreats for all our we observe what they call these positions. human resource cadres. individual healthy living 12. There has been a because we shallnot reach 10. How do you rate the working lot of public debate on the everyone’s home. We are environment for health workers International Specialised talking about medicine but how in all the public Health Facilities? Hospital of Uganda currently much is enough? Are we going under construction at Lubowa. to continue increasing wards? I am grateful to government for the Do you have any update on the No. Actually, we want that we increase in pay. But that increase progress of works? close these wards. So we want comes along with responsibility. Lubowa is definitely a people to be vigilant on their So what we want to see is that government project that we health. This can be achieved the environment changes where badly need. But there were through strengthened primary people get care. People should some challenges at the health care. come and find workers there. beginning. The would-be Health workers, irrespective of contractor had issues with the Also integrated community whether they have what to use or developer but I think this is health interventions should not, should be there to see and being sorted out and soon,we be strengthened at the village explain to the patients. shall see work progressing. level. This calls for involvement of all stakeholders who include; We want our health workers to 13. The issue of stealing health, water,sanitation and settle and work. Moonlighting drugs from government agriculture. For example, has to stop. In terms of health facilities has remained nutrition is not ahealth accommodation, the critical persistent. What has been issuealone but for all the staff are the ones who should done to bring this vice to an sectors that include local be considered to be near the end? governments and education. hospital. For instance, a secretary does not have to be near the We actually wrote to the
34 MINISTRY OF HEALTH sanitation. health challenges afflicting 15. At the household level, If we have responsible heads of their communities in education, what health issues do you families, we shall go a long way health and agriculture. This could think should be addressed by in disease prevention. help to address these issues the head of the family? holistically but they should be 16. This government has a very led by politicians whose voice For example, currently we have strong Local Council system is loud and respected. We a malaria upsurge, the head at the village level. How can want to hear more voices of of the family has a big role to LCI chairpersons supplement the politicians not the technical play to ensure that their home health programmes by the people alone. surrounding does not have Ministry of Health? bushes and stagnant water Why should an LC1 chairperson that act as breeding grounds The LCI first of all are respected preside over a village where for mosquitoes. The head of in their localities and their a majority of people have no the family can also ensure that voice matters alot. They latrines or toilets? every family member sleeps can help officials from the No, this should not happen. under a mosquito net on top of district to identify the core enforcing proper hygiene and
Dr Atwine leads a team of engineers on a site tour of the newly renovated Kayunga Hospital
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 35 UGANDA HOSTS INAUGURAL AFRICAN HEPATITIS SUMMIT
enneth Kabagambe knows the cost of especially vaccination in newborns. For adults, KHepatitis B too well that he has dedicated testing, linking to care, education and treatment as his entire life to raising advocacy, awareness required are crucial – as there is no cure, treatment and eventually elimination of the disease in is often lifelong,” says Kabagambe, who founded Uganda. Uganda’s National Organization for People Living with Hepatitis B (NOPLHB) in 2012. “With support It all started while Kabagambe was studying at from Ministry of Health and partners, NOPLHB was Makerere University way back in 2009, when registered and is a household name for Hepatitis he lost a close friend to the deadly Hepatitis B both within Uganda and beyond the borders” B. The loss had an overwhelming impact on Kabagambe said. Kabagambe, who gathered a dozen of like- minded friends to fight the deadly disease, Stories like Kabagambe’s and millions of other defend the dignity of people living with Ugandans provided a platform for Uganda to Hepatitis B as well as raise awareness around it. host the first ever African Hepatitis Summit aimed at rallying partners and countries to eliminate However, in a twist of events, Kabagambe Viral Hepatitis in Africa. The summit was held was later diagnosed with the disease in 2012. under the theme, Eliminating Viral Hepatitis “I had to become a voice for those living with in Africa; Implementing the Viral Hepatitis Hepatitis B,” he says, “and due to the stigma, Strategy. The event which brought together discrimination, isolation and the lack of public participants from over 25 countries provided an knowledge around the infection, I went public opportunity for countries to develop and work with my status to break the silence.” towards implementing action plans, sharing best practices in addressing the many challenges of “You can live a full, dignified life with Hepatitis viral Hepatitis and lessons learnt from each other B, but the most important thing is prevention, in the fight against Viral Hepatitis.
Kenneth Kabagambe addressing delegates during the African Hepatitis Summit 2019
36 MINISTRY OF HEALTH In Africa, dying of viral hepatitis is becoming Presiding over the opening ceremony, the Vice a bigger threat than dying of AIDS, Malaria President of Uganda, His Excellency Edward or Tuberculosis. Accordingly, every year, Ssekandi, who represented the President of Uganda an estimated 200,000 people die from the informed the delegates that advocacy for vaccination complications of viral hepatitis B and C against viral hepatitis is at the fore front of his work. mostly liver cancer in Africa. This is against “I implored the Ministry of Health to immunize all a background that 60 million people in this adolescents and adults in the country and get rid region were living with chronic hepatitis B of Hepatitis B. Vaccination started in July 2015” he infection as early as the year 2015, of which, said. He added, “I have personally participated in 4.8 million are children under five years old. In mobilizing the masses to get vaccinated. However, addition, an estimated 10 million people are it’s important during such international gatherings to infected with hepatitis C, almost certainly due sensitize people on the modes of transmission.” to unsafe injection practices. The Minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, In Uganda, according to the Uganda informed the delegates that the Government of Population based HIV Impact Assessment Uganda adopted the World Health Assembly (WHA) survey, (UPHIA, 2016), it is estimated that the resolutions of 2010 and 2014 on viral hepatitis that prevalence of viral hepatitis B is at 4.1% in the recognize the disease as a public health problem. population aged 15-64 years. The disease prevalence, however, varies from region to She also added that, the Ministry of Health set up a region with the highest prevalence in the Hepatitis Technical Working Group, which developed North at 4.6% and the lowest in Southwest a strategic action plan for elimination of Hepatitis B, at 0.8%. While the actual prevalence of viral the Vaccination plan to vaccinate adolescents and hepatitis C in Uganda is unknown, the data adults and Statutory instruments declaring Hepatitis from the National Blood Bank indicate that B as a public health threat in Uganda and another the prevalence of hepatitis C among blood instrument which makes vaccination of health donors in Uganda is approximately 1.5%. workers against Hepatitis B mandatory.
(L-R) Dr Aceng, Dr Atwine and Dr Mwebesa keenly listen to one of the speakers at the African Hepatitis Summit
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 37 Permanent Secretary, Dr Diana Atwine lauded The Government of Uganda continues with the efforts of Government of Uganda in the the systematic mass screening policy focused fight against Hepatitis B saying “Uganda is one on most at-risk populations like the prisoners, of the first countries in Africa to fund domestic commercial sex workers, without forgetting action against Hepatitis B.” refugee camps and communities hosting refugees. In addition, the government will also She further said that “since 2015, every year, strengthen and sustain injection, blood and Parliament of Uganda allocates 10 billion surgical safety and universal precaution among Shillings (USD 3million) towards supporting health care workers. implementation activities in the fight against Hepatitis B such as procurement of hepatitis Uganda is one of the first countries in Africa B vaccines, laboratory reagents, medical to undertake the manufacture of Hepatitis B equipment and antiviral drugs for treatment of medicines, the first line drugs recommended for hepatitis B and program activities like trainings the treatment of Hepatitis B. This is being done of health workers, community sensitization by Cipla Quality Chemical Industries Ltd, a WHO and advocacy coordination supervision.” approved pharmaceutical manufacturer. Eliminating Viral In order reduce Hepatitis Infections, the Government of Uganda plans to screen all Hepatitis in Africa; pregnant women for viral hepatitis B & C as well as introduce the hepatitis B birth dose. This will Implementing the help eliminate mother-to-child transmission of Viral Hepatitis hepatitis B and C infections. Strategy. Delegates called for strong partnerships, data to provide evidence based decisions that will The World Health Organization (WHO) Country inform policy makers on necessary interventions Representative in Uganda, Dr Yonas Tegegn to eliminate Viral Hepatitis and increased public Woldemariam noted that WHO Regional Office awareness stating that “people should not live for Africa established the Framework for Action with the disease ignorantly. Let us sensitize the for the Prevention, Care and Treatment of Viral masses and encourage them to go for regular Hepatitis in the African Region (2016–2020). screening to know their status.” “This was designed to guide Member States on the implementation of the Global Health Sector Awareness creation on viral hepatitis, will also be Strategy on Viral Hepatitis which calls for the expedited by working with community groups elimination of hepatitis by 2030- defined as a and Civil Society Organizations (CSO) to increase 90% reduction in new cases and 65% reduction opportunities to educate about viral hepatitis. in death” he said. The Regional Public Policy event convened Dr Yonas further informed the delegates that delegates from African Civil Society groups, WHO would provide measures against which WHO and its member states, Centers for to track progress of the framework saying , Disease Control (CDC), World Hepatitis Alliance, “we designed a scorecard which will be African Union, East African Community, Ministry presented at this Summit. It provides vital of Finance, patient organizations, policy information about the status of the regional makers, public health scientists, academia, hepatitis response, measuring progress pharmaceutical industry and funders. against the Framework for Action.”
38 MINISTRY OF HEALTH US SECRETARY FOR HEALTH LAUDS UGANDA’S RESPONSE TO PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES
he 24th Secretary of the Government. swung into preparedness and TU.S. Department of Health Uganda shares long and porous later response mode allowing and Human Services, Alex borders with the Democratic the country to proactively Azar joined by other senior Republic of the Congo (DRC), combat the spread of Ebola. U.S. health officials, met with where the second-largest the Minister of Health, Hon. Ebola outbreak in history is now Dr Aceng appreciated the Dr Jane Ruth Aceng and occurring, and experiences collaboration between Uganda technical teams from the thousands of cross-border and the US on health issues Ministry of Health and World travelers daily. in the fight against HIV/AIDS, Health Organization Country Malaria, TB, Sickle Cell Disease Representative, Dr Yonas During the meeting, Secretary and other conditions. “I would Tegegn Woldemariam to Azar and Dr Aceng discussed like to commend Secretary discuss Uganda’s response to the Ugandan government’s Azar for his presence here the imported cases of Ebola successful response to recent today. Since the outbreak, he Virus Disease (EVD) from isolated cases of Ebola in the has been a great supporter the Democratic Republic of country, and ongoing efforts in ensuring we are safe. We Congo and other health areas to control the spread of the have held meetings and such as Tuberculosis, Malaria, Ebola outbreak. Following several discussions via phone HIV/AIDS and Sickle Cell the declaration of the Ebola to ensure Uganda is safe from Disease supported by the US outbreak in the DRC, Uganda Ebola” she said.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 39 Secretary Azar noted that Similarly aggressive public of Public Health, including incredible work has been done health efforts, with support the Public Health Emergency both in the Ebola preparedness from the U.S Government Operations Center (PHEOC) and response phases. “I am here have allowed Uganda and the Field Epidemiology to recognize the great work of to get on track to attain Training Program (FETP), a the Ministry of Health to contain HIV epidemic control and program supported by the Ebola in the DRC. Monitoring a increase preparedness for Centers for Disease Control highly infectious disease is one other infectious diseases. and Prevention (CDC). Both more achievement of this country are instrumental resources that I am proud of” he said. He Following their meeting in efforts to combat Ebola. added, that both Government of at the Ministry of Health Following the establishment of Uganda and the US Government headquarters, Dr Aceng the PHEOC, Ministry of Health recognize the need for a led Secretary Azar and the has been a leader in advancing multisectoral approach to combat delegation on a tour of the the Global Health Security the Ebola outbreak in the DRC. Uganda National Institute Agenda.
Sec. Azar does the ‘Ebola signature handshake’ Visiting teams are taken through the FETP with PHEOC Director, Dr Issa Makumbi
The delegation also visited refugees from neighboring DRC border to seek refuge. In the International Organization countries currently reside in order to address the high influx for Migration (IOM) Refugee various refugee camps and of refugees from the DRC, IOM Transit Center to assess the settlements in Uganda, and has instituted a screening center’s activities to prevent due to the high insecurity in program for all refugees the spread of Ebola from DRC the DRC, up to 250 people and vaccination program to to Uganda. About 1.3 million per day cross the Uganda- prevent the spread of Ebola.
40 MINISTRY OF HEALTH The visiting team interacts with refugees at IOM Kampala. (Photo: US Embassy)
The teams later proceeded to by Dr. Robert Redfield, Director Secretary Azar also held a the Uganda National Health of the Center for Disease meeting with the President of Laboratory Services (UNHLS), Control and Prevention (CDC); Uganda, H E Yoweri Kaguta where testing of samples Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, Director of Museveni at State House, and research into HIV, TB the National Institute of Allergy Entebbe. President Museveni and antimicrobial resistance and Infectious Diseases (NIAID); appreciated USA’s role who is conducted. Collaboration Garrett Grigsby, Director of the through Centre for Disease between UNHLS and CDC has HHS Office of Global Affairs; Tim Control (CDC) provided a contributed to strong laboratory Ziemer, Senior Deputy Assistant modern laboratory which is a systems of international standards Administrator of United States referral for the region. and key global health security Agency for International efforts, especially in controlling Development (USAID); and staff infectious disease threats. of President Trump’s National Security Council, among other Secretary Azar was accompanied dignitaries.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 41 H E President Museveni during a meeting with Secretary Azar at State House, Entebbe. (Photo: PPU)
President Museveni reiterated Ebola.” “We used to take samples to the team that Uganda is to Atlanta, but we now have not a bad partner “because Secretary Azar was on a week- a modern laboratory here we are effective, that’s how long regional visit to the DRC, and within a few hours, you hear that these epidemics Rwanda and Uganda to assess the samples are checked and are controlled quickly. For countries’ capacities to prevent confirmed, so that the instance, the current DRC Ebola outbreak management starts” he Uganda is now a model of the from spreading to other parts of said. region in terms of response to the world.
President Museveni with Secretary Azar and US and Ministry of Health delegations at State House, Entebbe. (Photo: PPU)
42 MINISTRY OF HEALTH MINISTRY OF HEALTH INAUGURATES THE NATIONAL TOBACCO CONTROL COMMITTEE
Minister of Health Hon Dr Jane Ruth Aceng with the newly appointed National Tobacco Control Committee
he Ministry of Health working Additionally, the committee Standards (UBOS), National Twith partners launched will monitor the interference Environment Management the National Tobacco Control and insulation of tobacco- Authority (NEMA) and Civil Committee (NTCC) at a breakfast related policies from Society. meeting held in Kampala. commercial and other vested While inaugurating the The NTCC will supervise the interests of the tobacco committee, Hon. Minister of implementation of the Tobacco industry. Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Control Act 2015, in accordance acknowledged the enormous with the World Health Organization The committee will be chaired responsibility bestowed Framework Convention on by Office of the Prime Minister upon the committee. “We Tobacco Control. while Ministry of Health are aware of the power of holds the secretariat position. the tobacco industry and I The committee is also responsible The representatives of the implore you all to take on this for the coordination and committee include; Ministry of life saving role with utmost monitoring of tobacco control Education and Sports, Ministry diligence and commitment.” interventions as well as providing of Trade, Ministry of Agriculture, advice to the Minister of Health Animal Industry and Fisheries, “The Tobacco industry is on policies and measures relating Ministry of Gender, Labor looking for loopholes, we to tobacco control legislation and and Social Development, have to follow the law and implementation of the act. Uganda National Bureau of tighten these loopholes to
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 43 tackle this problem because that the Uganda Tobacco Control according to manufacturer’s they are not resting. While we Act is ‘comprehensive and one instructions kills 50% of its launch this committee, they are of the best tobacco control laws consumers.” looking for new ways to push in the region.’ “The law provides their agenda” she said. for a multisectoral approach to In Uganda, currently, tobacco tobacco control to tackle this use is the main underlying Aceng warned committee growing public health problem” risk factor for the four major members against being lured by she said. non-communicable diseases the tobacco industry. “Receiving (NCDs) that is; cancer, even a cent from individuals for She commended WHO and hypertension, diabetes and the tobacco industry will lead Uganda National Association of lung diseases. Over 75% to millions of lives lost and Community and Occupational of lung cancer deaths are blood in your hands. Please Health for their support to the attributed to tobacco use. desist from the temptation of Ministry of Health to tackle Tobacco use has adverse conniving with the industry and tobacco consumption in the health, social and economic its accomplices” she cautioned. country. consequences at all levels of society. Dr. Aceng further mentioned The WHO Representative in that Uganda is a signatory to the Uganda, Dr. Yonas Tegegn The 2014 NCD Risk Factor WHO Framework Convention Woldemariam, lauded Ministry of Survey, revealed that in Tobacco Control, an evidence- Health on instilling the committee. Uganda 1 in 10 people is a based treaty that reaffirms “This committee will go a long current tobacco user while the rights of all people to the way in curbing Tobacco related prevalence of tobacco use highest standard of health. morbidity and mortality” he said. among adults stands at 7.9% He added that “tobacco is the and 17.8% among young She also informed the meeting only product which when used people.
44 MINISTRY OF HEALTH New intervention to protect more Ugandans from Malaria
he Government of Uganda and On other benefits of the MoU, Aceng said that the MoU TGovernment of Egypt have signed a covers major areas of cooperation including; Setup of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a local production unit to produce larvicides. “Other Larval Source Management (LSM) in a bid to public health products will also be produced by the boost Malaria control initiativesin the country. production unit to increase the Government capacity This is premised on the background that to cover more districts and reduce the budget Ministry of Health is promoting theIntegrated burdens incurred while importing the products” she Vector Management (IVM) approach to informed. complement the existing interventions towardsreduction of Malaria transmission. She further added that the MoU will provide sponsorship and grant opportunities for young While signing the MoU on behalf of scientists among other industrial capacity building Government of Uganda, Minister for and technology transfer activities. Health, Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng explained thatlarviciding is the process of introducing The LSM program under this MoU is expected to chemicals into water bodies such as swamps run in Northern and Western Regions in 2019/2020 or stagnant water where the mosquito larvae protecting over 15 million Ugandans. The program reside. “The larvicides target the larvae and will later be rolled out across the country in a phased attack it hindering it from becoming an adult manner. mosquito” she said.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 45 Represented by Haitham Mokhtar, the Deputy Malaria is the leading, most widespread and Head of Mission of the Egyptian Embassy serious communicable diseases in Uganda. It is in Uganda, Mokhtar noted that an Egyptian a major public health problem, and is endemic in based company, Innovative Research and approximately 95% of the country; the remaining Development ‘InRad’ has been supporting 5% is prone to malaria epidemics mainly highland the Ugandan health sector in the fight against areas of South-western Uganda, the Rwenzori and Malaria for over nine years. Elgon Mountain ranges.
“The signing of the MoU today is another great Larval Source Management (LSM) is one of the step taken in the direction to contain and fight major strategies for Malaria control under the Malaria in Uganda” he said. National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) in Uganda. NMCP is currently implementing the This cooperation comes under mutual following interventions in order to fight Malaria agreements signed following the meeting in Uganda; Case management, Long lasting between the President of Uganda, HE President Insecticide treated mosquito Nets (LLIN), Behavior Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the President of Change Communication and Integrated Vector Egypt, HE President AbdulFattah Sisi. Larval Management Source Management was revived in Uganda following a directive by the President of Uganda This newly added intervention is expected to protect to control Malaria. and reduce malaria burden among the vulnerable- groups especially pregnant women, children under 5 years of age and school going children.
NATIONAL DRUG AUTHORITY EMBARKS ON CONSTRUCTION OF QUALITY CONTROL LABORATROY TOWER Safe Drugs Save Lives
bright sunny morning on the fourteenth day of March witnessed the ground breaking of the new A National Drug Authority (NDA) Quality Control Laboratory Tower. The day was coloured in the trademark green and white colors of NDA, along with the glorious sounds of the Uganda Police force band and high level officials from Government of Uganda, Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda and Private sector to celebrate the milestone of the authority.
Chief guest and Minister for Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng was visibly excited to break ground for the Laboratory tower. While driving the excavator in a symbolic way to kick start the construction, Acengcommended NDA upon embarking on this ‘bold step and milestone of the construction of the Quality Control Laboratory Tower.’
46 MINISTRY OF HEALTH mandate” Aceng said. our focus to construction of This construction Speaking at the ground a laboratory so that no one in “demonstrates breaking ceremony, Chairman Uganda takes sub-standard the Government of of board of NDA, Dr. Medard drugs” Bitekyerezo said. Uganda’s and Ministry Bitekerezo informed the of Health resolve audience that the tower was Acting Secretary, David Nahamya and dedication in constructed using internally reiterated the expected quality partnership with NDA generated resources by NDA. of the Laboratory tower. “This to save human life, “This Ushs 32Bn facility will be ultra-modern, sophisticated through a commitment completed in 24 months” he laboratory will be one of a kind to improving health said. not only in Uganda but in Sub- outcomes” Aceng said. Saharan Africa” he said amidst She also cautioned unscrupulous Bitekyerezo added that there thunderous applauses from individuals who are involved in are increasing cases of drug the audience. He further added bringingcounterfeit medicines resistance, especially in that this timely construction into the country. “For those who antibiotics, for malaria and will enable NDA test locally still think that Uganda is a place typhoid, which he attributed manufactured and imported where substandard medicines to poor quality drugs. cosmetics among others while will find their way into the market, increasing the range of drugs by this laboratory construction, The new tower will tested. your attempts will be dealt a big accommodate a Under the parent Ministry, blow. This construction further pharmaceutical, food and Ministry of Health, National Drug signifies NDA’s growth and herbal medicine, microbial Authority is mandated to regulate development in establishing a laboratory and a sample drugs in the country, including solid infrastructure to execute its storage room. “We directed their manufacture, importation, distribution and licensing.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 47 GOVERNMENT OF UGANDA UNVEILS MULTIMILLION DOLLAR REFUGEE RESPONSE PLAN
ganda is home to the The plan will improve health thunderous applauses by the Ulargest number of refugees status, harmonize co-existence crowds. in Africa and is one of the top and mobilize additional health Rugunda further added that refugee-hosting countries resources to augment resources “hosting refugees is not only worldwide. By December 2018, provided by government to the right thing to do butalso Uganda was home to 1.19 million support and build a resilient promotes the development of refugees from neighbouring health system within refugee refugee hosting communities in countries; Democratic Republic communities. the long term.” of Congo (DRC), Somalia, Launching the HSIRRP 2019- Burundi, Rwanda, Kenya, South 2024, the Prime Minister of “As the Government, we Sudan, Ethiopia and Eritrea. Uganda, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana continue to invest significant In a bid to provide equitable Rugunda commended domestic resources in the access to quality health services Uganda’s refugee response protection, management and for both refugees and the host policy. “Uganda is the first social integration of refugees communities, the Government country in the world to have and Ugandan communities that of Ugandalaunched the Health two comprehensive refugee host them” Rugunda pointed out. Sector Integrated Refugee response plans; for education Through Uganda’s Development Response Plan (HSIRRP) under and healthcare. This shows Response to Displacement the theme “Universal Health how we value refugees as a Impacts Project (DRDIP), a Coverage for All.” country” he informed, amidst
48 MINISTRY OF HEALTH substantial amount of resources The HSIRRP is estimated Representing the UN family is allocated to basic social to cost USD 583.4 million in Uganda, the Resident services such as healthcare during the five-year period Coordinator, Ms Rosa and education for the benefit of of implementation. The key Malangoreiterated the hosting communities. cost drivers of this plan are; commitment of the United medicines and drugs (which Nations System in Uganda. On behalf of Government of will cover host communities “UN in Uganda will support the Uganda, he pledged to welcome and the refugees), human successful implementation of refugees at all times. “Our borders resources and infrastructure. this plan and increase visibility remain open to our brothers and Over 80% of refugees in at the global level of this good sisters who are forced to flee Uganda are settled among host practice” she said. their homes and countries due to communities in 30 settlements There are sixpillars of strategic unrest, starvation, violence and located across the 12 refugee- interventions under the Health different forms of persecution” hosting districts. The districts Sector Integrated Refugee Rugunda said. are; Arua, Yumbe, Moyo, Response Plan for refugees and Adjumani, Hoima, Kiryandongo, host communities. The 5-year plan will not only Kyegegwa, Isingiro, Lamwo, benefit the refugees but also the Kamwenge, Koboko and These include; Service over 7 million host communities Kampala. delivery, Human Resource for across the refugee-hosting Health, Health commodities districts across Uganda. Minister of Refugees and co- and technologies, Health Uganda has a progressive chair of the Comprehensive management Information refugee response model which Refugee Response Framework Systems, Health Financing has been lauded globally as (CRRF) Steering Group, Eng. and Leadership, coordination, the most generous in the world. Hillary Onek reaffirmed the management and governance. The Ugandan refugee model commitment of Government includes; open borders, non- of Uganda in implementation These interventions are camp policies, free integration of this plan. “Today we are premised on a number of of refugees, equal access to launching the Plan, tomorrow international, regional and Government-provided social we need to put all our hands national commitments, notably services such as healthcare and together to ensure that the the New York Declaration on education, a chance to work and plan is funded. This will require Refugees and Migrants and land allocation for farming and continuous coordinated efforts its Comprehensive Refugee shelter. by all of us” he said. Response Framework. This will support Uganda to meet The Minister of Health, Hon. “We count on the its commitment to the 2030 Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng urged continuous support Agenda for Sustainable all development partners to Development, in particular align their operations to the from our partners- Sustainable Development Goal new paradigm and a common humanitarian and 3 - to ensure healthy lives and plan – Uganda’s Health Sector development – to support promote wellbeing for all at all Integrated Refugee Response the Plan by mobilizing ages by 2030- and the principle Plan. “I also want to ask the district additional resources of leaving no one behind. leaders to develop district level Health Sector Integrated refugee and aligning all health response plans aligned to this activities in refugee plan” she added. hosting districts with the Plan” Onek added.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 49 The Center for Excellence for Pediatric surgery Paediatric ward of Mulago National Specialized Hospital PICTORIAL
Ag. Commissioner for Health Promotion Education Monthly media breakfast meeting held on April 5th and Communication Richard Kabanda receives an focusing on Antimicrobal Resistance appreciation award from DGHS and PS
Director Clinical Services Dr Charles Olaro receives keys Director Clinical Services Dr Charles Olaro administers Oral from US Ambassador ot Uganda Deborah Malac to the Cholera Vaccine into a childs mouth in Nebbi District newly constructed prefabricated storage houses
50 MINISTRY OF HEALTH Dr Diana Atwine and delegates share a photo moment Dr Diana Atwine with health workers from Kawempe during the high level breakfast meeting on Health National Referral Hospital during a National Promotion and Disease Prevention Consultative Meeting on Free to Shine Campaign PICTORIAL
Dr. Jolly Nankunda attends to a baby at Mulago Front view of Mulago Specialised Hospital Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital
Dr Diana Atwine with delegates during the consultative Ebola visit in Kasese meeting on Free to Shine Campaign
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 51 PICTORIAL
Health workers conduct screening of individuals at Health workers sensitize household members during the Mpondwe border as part of Ugandas preparedness Oral Cholera Vaccine exercise in Nebbi District efforts in Ebola response
Health workers under go training ahead of the Ebola Hon Aceng listens to the community during the Arua Vaccination exercise in the high risk districts district Ebola assessment
Commissioning of Hepatology Laboratory Partners during the launch of the National Action Plan for Health Security
52 MINISTRY OF HEALTH Hon Aceng listens to the community during the Arua Ministry of Health management cut cake to symbolize district Ebola assessment the end of year party PICTORIAL
Ministry of Health officials led by Permanent Secretary Hon Jane Ruth Aceng with National Malaria Control Dr. Diana Atwine along with officials from Vision Group Division during World Malaria Day commemorations led by Vision Group CEO Robert Kabushenga
Overview of newly renovated Kayunga Hospital Soroti Regional Referral Hospital gets new board of Directors. The board was inaugurated by Hon. Sarah Opendi
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 53 PICTORIAL
PS Diana Atwine awards a recognition of service PS Diana Atwine joins end of year staff in a traditional monument to John Emau upon retirement from Public dance during the end of year party Service
Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga arrives Rugunda administers rotavirus vaccine into a babys for the National Conference on Family Planning mouth during the launch at Buikwe District
Team Uganda bags an award for Excellence in Vaccination of health workers against Ebola Leadership in Family Planning at country level
54 MINISTRY OF HEALTH WHO DG Dr Tedros and Dr Aceng exchange signature WHO DG with Partners and Ministry of Health team handshake during his brief visit during the Ebola during the meeting outbreak PICTORIAL
Ministry of Health receive motorcyles from WHO and Hon Aceng with delegates during the 12th ONCHO Irish Embassy meeting in Kampala
Dr Aceng and District Health Officers during the Dr Aceng with the National Organizing Committee of the orientation exercise ahead of the national Measles National Health Promotion Conference Rubella and Polio immunisation campaign
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 55 Social Media Corner SOCIAL MEDIA CORNER
56 MINISTRY OF HEALTH SOCIAL MEDIA CORNER SOCIAL MEDIA CORNER
MINISTRY OF HEALTH 57 SOCIAL MEDIA CORNER
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