Kampala (U)- The 5th Uganda UK Health Alliance Symposium was a successful hybrid event, held at Mestil Hotel, Kampala; highlighting UK support for global health initiatives in Uganda.
What you need to know:
The Uganda UK Health Alliance (UUKHA) is a body of health related organisations registered in Uganda and UK. It was established in 2013 after a memorandum of understanding between Health Ministry, Uganda, and NHS. Since then, it has grown to a membership of over 200 members working together under the core values of joint working, shared learning and co-development.
The event was a transformative experience; with leading experts, practitioners, and development partners from across the globe. Deliberations emphasised enormous potential that Uganda and UK health institutions can contribute toward both health improvements in both countries.
What was said:
In her remarks, Health Ministry PS, Dr. Diana Atwine, welcomed development partners, distinguished speakers and participants. “Uganda is proud to host the hybrid event, to showcase the impact of different UK supported global health programmes.”
She also acknowledged the partnerships; emphasising the significant strides in areas, including maternal and child health, disease outbreak response, and combating HIV/AIDS.
“Thanks to these partnerships, we’ve made significant progress in areas like maternal and child health, disease outbreak response, and combating HIV/AIDS. Together, we continue to strive towards achieving key global health targets.”
Philip Smith, the Acting British High Commissioner, labelled the Uganda UK Health Alliance a shining example of the Uganda-UK partnership. “Through the energy & enthusiasm of health practitioners from all across the UK & Uganda-building links, exchanging expertise & innovation-we can improve health outcomes for both countries.”
Ged Byrne, Director of Global Engagement at Health Education England, delivered an inspiring keynote, calling for impactful collaborations that will create stronger health systems in Uganda and UK.
Dr. Sheba Gitta, the Country Director of THET in Uganda, presented on the Commonwealth partnerships for antimicrobial stewardship program. She also showcased the progress of SCALE-critical care partnership, which has enhanced skills and knowledge of Uganda critical care healthcare professionals.
Healthcare professionals, including Dr. Tumusiime Prosper, Dr. Claire, Dr. Gayle, Dr. John Sekabira, Dr. Diane Nzelu, Prof. Anna David, Dr. Derek and Hannah, shared their impactful experiences, as testament to the power of collaboration in advancing critical care skills.
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS, Kids Operating Room, RCEM Global Emergency Medicine, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital/ Emergency Department, Academy for Health Innovation-Uganda, among others, were recognised & commended for their tremendous impact on global capacity building of healthcare workforce in Uganda.
Uganda UK Health Alliance lead person, Moses Mulimira, offered special thanks to development partners, especially the British High Commission in Uganda, for the support on health diplomacy between Uganda and UK.
“We shall continue to advocate for mutually beneficial global health cooperation, and learning opportunities between Uganda & UK,” Mulimira added.
The successful hybrid event had about 300 participants, a manifestation to continued commitment of bringing together our diverse capacity, and expertise to improve health outcomes for all.
