It is my pleasure to present to you the Infectious Diseases Institute’s (IDI) annual report for the financial year 2018/2019.

I hope it is evident in this report that through its 5 core programmes represented by Prevention Care and Treatment (PCT), Research, Training, Health Systems Strengthening (HSS), Global Health Security (GHS) & Laboratory Services by end of year, IDI’s impact has been felt in 60% of the districts of Uganda where it has a presence, and on the national and global stage. As an NGO that is University-based and a permanent part of the Ugandan (and regional) health system, IDI has continued to successfully pursue its mission which rests on the three pillars of health systems strengthening, research and (internal and external) capacity development.

IDI grew tremendously this year in terms of its scope and its agility in meeting emerging needs in infectious diseases in Uganda and in Africa, even as these needs become more complex and call for greater learning and
creativity.

There were some challenges in generating enough resources to sustain this impact and at the same time invest in the growth areas that we identified in our 5-year strategy, which will keep us relevant in the future. However, I am optimistic that our partners will continue to view the value we bring as one of the best investments in the health sector.

IDI has continued to be an example in exercising good stewardship over the resources entrusted to it. We have also learnt a great deal about working through an increasing number of peer organizations as well as community partners, numbering over 100 across our programmes by the end of the year. Their contribution is critical and we are proud to be building their capacity for programmatic and financial stewardship where it was
lacking.

It is also evident that IDI is not just an organization but a family that greatly values all its staff and stakeholders. The development of the organization into one of the most respected NGOs in Uganda would not have been possible without the blessing and support of the Makerere University Vice Chancellor and the University Secretary, members of the College of Health Sciences and other senior officials of Makerere University.

The Institute is thankful for the continual support of the Ministry of Health and its various organs, which have provided the platform for IDI to pursue its mission. We are also grateful for the various funding and implementing partners who have bought into our vision of being an African organization that seeks to meet global standards in ridding Africa of the burden of infectious diseases. I would like to thank members of the board of directors for their commitment to the values and objectives of the Institute and for their valuable support and advice to IDI.

To our staff, I hope you realize how valued your contribution is and how it has held the IDI flag high on so many fronts. I hope you feel IDI has equally made a meaningful contribution and provided opportunities for your individual career growth.

I look forward to even greater impact in FY 2019/2020.

Rev. Prof. Samuel Abimerech Luboga, Chair IDI Board of Directors

Please see Downloads for the full 2019 Annual Report