Health Emergency Capacity Review Underway in Uganda

Uganda is currently undergoing a comprehensive review of its health emergency response capacity, with input from various stakeholders, including the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Health, and international partners. This evaluation aims to assess Uganda’s ability to handle epidemics, pandemics, and emergencies, and it will inform policy decisions in this regard.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has praised Uganda for its efforts in strengthening and expanding its capacity to address health emergencies. According to a recent assessment report by the WHO, Uganda ranks 65th out of the more than 196 countries that subscribe to the International Health Regulations. This is a significant achievement considering Uganda’s ongoing efforts to enhance its emergency response capabilities.

Dr. Yonas Woldemariam, the WHO Country Representative, noted that Uganda is making substantial progress in improving its emergency response capabilities.

First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga emphasized that the external evaluation is not only recognizing Uganda’s achievements but also identifying areas for improvement based on lessons learned from previous pandemics and emergency situations the country has faced.

One notable success in Uganda is the low-cost emergency care initiative, which has led to a significant reduction in deaths related to emergency conditions in two district hospitals. This initiative is now being scaled up across the country to further enhance emergency care services.