Health
First-Ever Harmonized Health Facility Assessment by MakSPH and MoH Reveals Improvements in Uganda’s Overall Health Services
Published
9 months agoon
By Julius Tukacungurwa & Davidson Ndyabahika
The first ever Harmonized Health Facility Assessment (HHFA) jointly conducted by MakSPH and the Ministry of Health (MoH) has illuminated significant advancements in Uganda’s healthcare landscape. This ground-breaking survey, which serves as a robust benchmark for evaluating health services across the country, offers a comprehensive overview of service availability and readiness within Ugandan health facilities.
The HHFA, a successor to the esteemed Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) tool endorsed by the WHO, probes into four critical modules: service availability, service readiness, quality of care and safety, and management and finance.
Focusing initially on service availability and readiness, the HHFA embarked on a cross-sectional analysis of 642 facilities in April 2022, spanning National Referral Hospitals (NRHs), Regional Referral Hospitals (RRHs), General Hospitals (GHs), primary healthcare facilities at levels II, III, and IV.
The findings, while highlighting disparities in service availability and facility capacity across different healthcare sectors, underscore a promising trajectory towards enhancing overall health services nationwide.
Dr. Christopher Garimoi Orach, a Professor of Community Health at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), led the team that conducted the survey. He presented the report which was subsequently launched by Uganda’s Minister of Health Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero on Tuesday 12th.March.2024 during the 10th Annual National Health Care Quality Improvement Conference at Imperial Resort Beach Hotel, Entebbe.
The findings of the HHFA report indicate that Reproductive Maternal Newborn Care and Adolescent Health (RMNACH) services were available in most health care facilities across the country. In Uganda, healthcare facilities offer a wide range of essential services, including pediatric care, antenatal and postnatal care, malaria prevention during pregnancy, and newborn care, with over 95% providing these services according to the report. Findings also show that continuous antenatal care is available in about 79% of facilities, while skilled delivery services are offered in 89%. Additionally, family planning, emergency obstetric care, immunization, and adolescent health services are widely accessible, with percentages ranging from 77% to 91%.
During the launch event, Dr. Aceng underscored the significant steps made by the health sector in meeting crucial performance benchmarks. These include a notable 47% reduction in Maternal Mortality between 2016 and 2022, a commendable 12% decrease in Under 5 Mortality over the same period, and a promising 7% decline in Infant Mortality rates as highlighted in the Uganda Demographic Survey (UDHS) Report 2022.
“As you might know, overall, the health sector has made good progress towards achieving the key performance indicator targets. I wish to appreciate each one of you for the job well done,” said Dr. Aceng.
Adding that; “The Ministry of Health continues to make big investments in the national health system. Mulago National Referral Hospital, Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital, and several Regional Referral Hospitals have received infrastructure development including installation of modern medical equipment.
There is also deliberate effort to improve access to health service, delivery to the community through purposeful upgrade of some HC IIs to corresponding equipping and general review of the human resource requirements in the health sector. There is also deliberate effort to improve access to health services, delivery to the community through purposeful upgrade of some HC lIs to HC Ills with corresponding equipping and general review of the human resource requirements in the health sector.”
The also study highlights a significant increase in Uganda’s general service index, rising from 48% in 2018 to 59% presently. Utilizing a similar survey methodology, researchers observed notable improvements in the availability of health interventions across various domains. Particularly in Reproductive Maternal Adolescent Health services, higher provision rates were evident, especially at higher-level health facilities. Moreover, delivery assistance at Health Centres IIIs and above by skilled attendants has become standard practice, with nine out of ten cases receiving skilled care.
Immunization services have also witnessed widespread availability, notably in hospital settings. However, while all surveyed facilities now offer malaria treatment services, access to non-communicable disease management, such as cancer diagnosis and treatment, remains limited, and readiness to provide transportation services for community members in need is inadequate.
According to Professor Orach, the Ministry of Health should strengthen and improve diagnosis and treatment of cancers generally across the country, especially at the National and Regional Referral Hospitals so that many more people at community levels can access the services. He also notes that the Ministry needs to quickly do everything possible to strengthen the transportation systems for patients from communities to reach and access health services.
The research noted that salary enhancement is a step in the right direction for improving how health workers perform. “We need to enhance that by ensuring that, ‘the health system, which is a complex system’, when we enhance salaries, we still need to continue to monitoring the health workers, we still need to continue to provide other requirements for the performance of health services, like drugs should be available,” noted Professor Orach.
Adding that; “Transport should be available, other ways of ensuring that their performance can be up to the expected standard. So, in other words, that’s an important step and we must thank the government for what they’ve done here for we should still support them in other ways and monitor them closely to ensure, guidelines are available for services, that drugs are available, so that they can continue to provide good services.”
“Our findings also show that for instance, the private health practitioners are not carrying out a lot of immunization, but government health facilities and private not for profit facilities are providing immunization services. This means that the private health practitioners don’t focus on immunization since it may not be bringing them money, they sought the ministry to engage with them to ensure that they’re brought on board so that they can provide their services in an integrated manner,” he noted.
During the event, Associate Professor Peter Waiswa from the Health Policy, Planning and Management Department at MakSPH delivered a keynote address on ‘Understanding Health Systems Strengthening in a resource limited set-up.’ Professor Waiswa has had research work in maternal, new-born and child health in low and middle-income countries.
According to Dr. Diana Atwiine, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, this health facility assessment and report will significantly enhance MoH’s institutional capacity for strategic planning and policy development in Uganda’s health sector.
“The Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) Team led by Prof. Christopher Garimoi Orach is appreciated for spearheading the entire process of undertaking the HHFA and developing the report. The MoH is very grateful for the diligent work well-done by the various actors that included the technical officers, research assistants and the administration staff to have the final report meticulously developed,” said Dr. Atwiine.
Dr. Henry G. Mwebesa, Director General of Health Services, emphasizes the pivotal role of robust health systems in achieving lasting health advancements. He underscores that the findings will facilitate the country’s ability to track health service progress, advancing towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This data supports evidence-based decision-making, fortifying national health system planning and policy-making.
“This HHFA report is recommended for use by the various key stakeholders including health service managers, district leaders, ministry of health officials, both government, private sector, civil society organizations and development partners at different levels to inform and improve planning and implementation of effective health services delivery in Uganda,” says Dr. Mwebesa.
Photos by Julius Tukacungurwa.
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Health
Certificate in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene 2025
Published
1 week agoon
December 17, 2024By
Mak EditorCourse Objectives
The course is intended to strengthen the capacity of practicing workers to successfully identify and manage Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) opportunities and problems by facilitating the acquisition of adequate knowledge, development of skills and attitudes through understanding and use of the 6 essential services of WASH. These are to:
- Monitor WASH status to identify and solve community environmental health problems.
- Diagnose and investigate WASH problems and health hazards in the community.
- Inform, educate and empower people about WASH issues.
- Mobilise community partnerships and actions to identify and solve WASH problems.
- Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility and quality of personal and population-based WASH services.
- Research for new insights and innovative solutions to WASH problems.
Course Structure
The course is an 8-weeks programme of study. Participants will spend 3 weeks (full-time) at Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) while 4 weeks will be spent at suitable workplaces / field sites. The final week of the course will be spent at MakSPH for presentation of project / field work, final examination, and the certificate awarding ceremony. This is a day programme and will run from 26th May to 18th July 2025.
Course Modules
- Water Resources Management
- Environmental Sanitation
- Hygiene Promotion
- WASH Policy, Planning and Financing
- Field / Project Work
Mode of delivery of the course includes lectures, tutorials, seminars, practicals and field work.
Dates | 26th May to 18th July 2025 | |
Fees | Ugandans | Internationals |
UGX 900,000 | USD 500 |
Who should apply?
- Practicing officers in the WASH sector including those working in local government, non governmental organizations (NGOs) or the private sector.
- Environmental Health workers who wish to broaden their knowledge and skills as a form of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) so as to be better equipped to implement WASH activities.
Entry requirements for admission to the course are Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) or its equivalent with at least 1 year working experience in WASH.
How to apply?
Application forms and procedure can be obtained from the Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, Makerere University School of Public Health, New Mulago Hospital Complex or from the website below:
https://sph.mak.ac.ug/academics/water-sanitation-and-hygiene-wash
The deadline for receiving applications is Wednesday 26th March 2025.
For further details, contact:
Course Administrator
Ms. Irene Nassazi
Makerere University School of Public Health
New Mulago Hospital Complex
E-mail: inassazi@musph.ac.ug Tel. +256771671354
Course Coordinator
Dr. David Musoke
Makerere University School of Public Health
New Mulago Hospital Complex
E-mail: dmusoke@musph.ac.ug Tel. +256788572129
Co-Course Coordinator
Mr. Allan Ssembuusi
Makerere University School of Public Health
New Mulago Hospital Complex
E-mail: assembuusi@musph.ac.ug Tel. +256759955067
On 2nd December 2024, Assoc. Professor Bruce Kirenga officially took over as Principal of the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University (MakCHS) in a handover ceremony held in the College Board Room. Dr. Kirenga succeeds Professor Damalie Nakanjako, who successfully completed her four-year term.
The ceremony was attended by members of the MakCHS Administrative Board and key university leaders, including Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) Professor Henry Alinaitwe, Chief of Human Resources, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni, & Deputy University Secretary Mr. Simon Kizito, among others.
In her remarks, Professor Nakanjako reflected on her time in office with gratitude and pride since she assumed office in December 2020. She expressed her full support for MakCHS in contributing towards training and research in Makerere University.
Professor Nakanjako thanked the university top management for the support rendered to during her term of office as Principal. I thank family, friends and colleagues who supported and allowed me share my time with the college, especially beyond official hours.
Dr. Kirenga, a pulmonologist, researcher, and founding director of the Makerere University Lung Institute, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Makerere leadership and the search committee for entrusting him with the responsibility of steering the college. He noted; “It’s a true honour to have been entrusted with this role. The search process was rigorous, but I learned so much from the ideas shared by my colleagues—it was a truly honourable competition.”
With a vision for collaboration and growth, Dr. Kirenga outlined his priorities, including improving staffing, improving relationships with teaching hospitals, and addressing infrastructure needs. He emphasized a leadership style rooted in inclusivity and teamwork, saying, “Let’s create a common vision through consultation and work together. I’ll visit every unit in the college to hear directly from staff about their challenges, needs, and ideas for moving forward.”
Dr. Kirenga also shared plans to establish a forum of past leaders to harness their collective wisdom and ensure continuity in leadership.
Health
Four MakSPH Faculty inducted as Prestigious UNAS Fellows
Published
2 months agoon
November 4, 2024Four Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) faculty have been inducted for the 2024 Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) fellowship, a preeminent nation’s most respected scientific bodies. This is the first time MakSPH is scooping a large number of faculty fellows, which was the highest for a single institution. This prestigious honor was awarded on Friday, November 1, 2024, at Four Points by Sheraton Kampala, Uganda.
The recipients are;
⦿ Professor David Guwatudde, a Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the MakSPH where he has been teaching for over 32 years. In the last decade, Dr. Guwatudde’s research interest has been on characterising the epidemiology, evaluattion and effectiveness of appropriate interventions for prevention and control of selected non-communicable diseases (NCD) especially diabetes and hypertension.
⦿ Dr. Fredrick Edward Makumbi, an Associate Professor of Biostatistics at MakSPH in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. A seasoned public health professional in Uganda, he is also a Gates Fellow. Through his expertise in population health and the evaluation of public health interventions, Dr. Makumbi has generated significant evidence that impacts the field. He has published over 300 journal articles and leads the PMA project, which focuses on evaluating schistosomiasis and family planning initiatives in Uganda.
⦿ Dr. David Musoke, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health at MakSPH. He serves as the Chair of the Grants and Research Capacity Building Committee at MakSPH and is the President Elect of the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH). A graduate of Makerere University, his research interests include environmental health, malaria prevention and community health. He organized the first International Community Health Workers symposium which was held in Uganda, and is an academic editor and reviewer for several journals.
⦿ Dr. Victoria Nankabirwa, an experienced clinical researcher and Lecturer in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at MakSPH. She holds a PhD from the University of Bergen and is also a member of the WHO Immunization and Vaccine-related Implementation Research (IVIR) Advisory Committee. Her key interests include mother and child outcomes, particularly survival and the impact of immunization.
UNAS is an independent, non-profit, and non-political organization, established and founded in October 2000 to provide Uganda with credible, balanced, and evidence-driven guidance on matters of science and development. Membership is drawn from distinguished scientists and scholars who have made significant, lifelong contributions across diverse fields, including natural and social sciences, arts, and humanities.
The UNAS Fellowship remains one of the nation’s most respected scientific bodies, with over 200 members working collaboratively in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary fields to address Uganda’s challenges through science and innovation.
Every year, Fellows of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (FUNAS) have an opportunity to nominate potential fellows into the academy based on their merit, impact and contribution of the world of Science. A nomination stands substantive once it is seconded by another FUNAS, after which the nominees go through a rigorous selection process by a highly competent committee of scholars in the academy.
Once selected and inducted, fellows in the academy devote their time on honorific activities and service provision through arbitrating on contentious national debates such as whether to provide free social services to refugees and whether to use DDT to control Malaria. Since inception on October 20, 2000, the UNAS has distinguished itself as a premier honorific society for eminent scientists in Uganda. It leverages on the expertise and stature of its members to provide pro bono evidence-informed advice to government and Ugandans on science, technology, innovation and sustainable development.
Dr. David Serwadda, an Exemplar Scholar of Makerere University who this year received the prestigious Professor Emeritus title presented the new fellows to the UNAS convention. He described Dr. Nankabirwa as a prolific researcher, with over 80 publications in peer-reviewed journals and an impressive funding portfolio that includes a number of highly competitive research grants.
On her part, Dr. Victoria Nankabirwa said she was grateful for the recognition and pledged to uphold UNAS values.
“I am very thankful for this recognition, and as I reflect on the journey that has brought me to this point, I am reminded that this is not the result of solitary work but of shared aspirations, collaborations, and partnerships. As such, I am very thankful to my nominators and seconders, Prof. David Serwadda and Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, as well as to my colleagues, my students, and my family, represented by my mum. To these people and to you, I extend my deepest gratitude. I pledge to uphold the academy’s values, advocate for science-driven policies, and mentor future generations. I will work as hard as I can within this FUNAS,” said Dr. Nankabirwa.
Dr. Fredrick Edward Makumbi expressed his gratitude and commitment during his recent induction as a fellow of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (FUNAS). “I am delighted to have been nominated and accepted as a FUNAS. I am truly appreciative and acknowledge the support of all those who have helped me, from my family to my teachers and colleagues—many of whom are here today. They have supported me and brought me to this great podium. I pledge to continue working, supporting, and promoting the health and well-being of the people of Uganda and beyond through science, as well as mentoring others to ensure a sustainable generation that can uphold the health and well-being of Uganda and beyond. I am glad to be here, and thank you very much,” Dr. Makumbi stated.
Dr. David Musoke is a promising researcher and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health at Makerere University’s School of Public Health. He serves as the Chair of the Grants and Research Capacity Building Committee and is the President Elect of the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH).
“I am really delighted and humbled to be joining this elite class of academics and scholars as a fellow of UNAS. It is an honor to join many of my mentors from over the years, including my very own father, who is also a fellow of UNAS and is here today, Prof. Miph Musoke. I wish to thank my family—my parents, wife, and children—for all their support, as well as the research teams we have worked with,” said Dr. David Musoke.
Adding that; “I also extend my gratitude to my mentors from the university, Professor David Serwadda and Professor Rhoda Wanyenze, for nominating me, along with all the others who have contributed throughout this journey, including funders, collaborators, the community, and everyone else we work with. I look forward to serving in this capacity and upholding the goals and aims of UNAS, especially in the field of Environmental Health and Community Health.”
Professor Guwatudde, a lead investigator in two national surveys assessing non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors in his country—first in 2014 and again in 2023—expressed his commitment to tackling NCDs as he was recognized by the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS).
“I would like to thank the UNAS council, the secretariat, and all members for accepting me as a member,” Prof. Guwatudde said.
“I pledge to contribute in the area of non-communicable diseases. We have conducted extensive research in this country, giving us a clear picture of the NCD burden, a reality that affects us all. I would be glad to share this insight with fellow members,” added Guwatudde.
National academies worldwide provide neutral platforms for experts across disciplines to tackle societal challenges and clarify emerging issues in science, technology, and policy. These institutions play a crucial role in preparing for and responding to global threats such as pandemics. Since its inception, the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) has been led by four presidents: Prof. Paul Mugambi (2000-2014), Prof. Nelson Sewankambo (2014-2019), Prof. Peter Mugyenyi (2019-2022), and, since October 2022, Prof. Grace Bantebya-Kyomuhendo, a Professor of Women and Gender Studies at Makerere University—the first female head of the academy.
Prof. Bantebya extended her congratulations to the newly inducted fellows. She emphasized the responsibilities UNAS fellows carry, including upholding the academy’s constitution and contributing to its vision, mission, and objectives. “Our fellows play a critical role in advancing the academy’s goals, and their dedication is vital to our impact on science and policy,” Prof. Bantebya stated.
“Remain academically active. Please listen to that. In meaningful pursuit of academic excellence in your respective areas of expertise. Do not say that now that you have become a fellow, you will stop being academically active. We expect you to continue,” she emphasised.
She also called on the fellows to actively participate in the academy’s conventions, consensus-building efforts, and other activities. Prof. Bantebya emphasized the importance of consensus studies to the academy’s mission, urging fellows to make themselves available when called upon.
“Ensure high standards of conduct based on national and international best practices. We expect you to maintain and ensure high standards yourselves and foster good relations among members as well as with the academy, the general science community, and the public. You also need to meet all the obligations as a fellow of UNAS, whether financial or otherwise, as stipulated,” the Academy President said
A fellow may lose their membership in the academy if they act against the UNAS constitution or bring disrepute to its goals, name, or vision. Membership can also be terminated if a member is convicted by a competent court or authority of a felony or serious crime, or if they are declared bankrupt or of unsound mind.
UNAS’s mission is to foster the welfare and prosperity of the Ugandan people by generating, sharing, and utilizing robust knowledge and insights to deliver independent, merit-based scientific counsel to government and society. As part of the global scientific community, UNAS maintains strong ties with the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC), Network of Science Academies in Islamic Countries (NASIC), the U.S. National Academies, IAP, and TWAS.
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