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Rockefeller Foundation, 11 Other Agencies Honored with 2024 Climate and Health Champion Awards

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The Ministry of Health Uganda has recognised 12 outstanding agencies and eight individuals for championing climate change and health resilience in Uganda. They received the 2024 climate and health champions awards.

The awards were presented at the launch of the Climate Change Health National Adaptation Plan-H-NAP (2025-2030) to address the significant threat climate change poses to public health and enhance the resilience of the health sector against climate-related impacts in the country, by the Rt. Hon. Lukia Isanga Nakadama, the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda and the woman Member of Parliament for Mayuge District while presiding over the ceremony as the Chief Guest at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala on Thursday August 22, 2024.

Speaking at the launch of the H-NAP, Dr. Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health noted that climate change is a cross-cutting phenomena and that many institutions and individuals have been engaged in activities that directly or indirectly promote building of a climate resilient health system in Uganda.

The Ministry of Health handed the award to The Rockefeller Foundation, an American private foundation and philanthropic medical research and arts funding organization. The Foundation provided technical and financial support to Uganda to conduct the vulnerability assessments of the health sector and develop the Health National Adaptation Plan. With this funding, Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) was asked to generate evidence through field research whose results were used to develop the H-NAP.

The Foundation was recognized for its technical and financial support towards Uganda’s climate and health response. Mr. William Asiko, Vice President and head of The Rockefeller Foundation’s Africa Regional Office received the award on behalf of The Foundation.

Other organisations that received the awards were the Office of the Prime Minister for its continued support to climate health emergencies. The Ministry of Water and Environment’s Department of Climate Change also received an award in recognition of the collaborative efforts on climate and health policies and governance in the country.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Uganda country office also was recognized for its technical and financial support. Also, MakSPH received an appreciation award for its contributions to building a climate-resilient system in Uganda for its technical support in developing the H-NAP. Professor Rhoda Wanyenze, the Dean, received the award on behalf of the School.

Dr Christine Musanhu, the Acting WHO Representative in Uganda and Professor Rhoda Wanyenze received awards on behalf of their institutions. Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) at the Ministry of Health launch of the National Climate Change Health National Adaptation Plan (H-NAP), 22nd August 2024, Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr Christine Musanhu, the Acting WHO Representative in Uganda and Professor Rhoda Wanyenze received awards on behalf of their institutions.

Regenerate Africa’s Executive Director Mr. Charles Kabiswa, received the Appreciation Award in recognition of Regenerate’s technical and financial contribution towards building a climate resilient health system in Uganda. Regenerate Africa is a non-profit organisation that aims to contribute to, and accelerate Africa’s transition to a regenerative economy.

Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Seed Global Health Uganda, Pathfinder Uganda, Amref Africa, Tree Adoption Uganda and Reproductive Health Uganda equally received awards as a token of appreciation for the advocacy and distinguished support to the health sector.

Ministry of Water and Environment's PS Mr Alfred Okot Okidi and Mrs. Margaret Athieno Mwebesa. Commissioner, Climate Change; National Focal Point, UNFCCC receive the climate and health champions 2024 award. Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) at the Ministry of Health launch of the National Climate Change Health National Adaptation Plan (H-NAP), 22nd August 2024, Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Ministry of Water and Environment’s PS Mr Alfred Okot Okidi and Mrs. Margaret Athieno Mwebesa. Commissioner, Climate Change; National Focal Point, UNFCCC receive the climate and health champions 2024 award.

Individual awards went to the Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Minister of Health as a special recognition for her technical, political leadership towards a climate resilient health system. Other officials recognized in the Ministry include; Dr. Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Henry Mwebesa, the Director General, Dr. Danie Kyabayinze, Director Health Services -Public Health, Dr. Herbert Nabaasa, Commissioner Health Services -Environmental Health Department and Dr. Didacus Namanya, a Health Geographer/ Climate Change Focal Person at the Ministry of Health for their technical leadership and advocacy.

Dr. Herbert Nabaasa, Commissioner Health Services -Environmental Health Department and Dr. Didacus Namanya, a Health Geographer/ Climate Change Focal Person at the Ministry of Health receive their awards. Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) at the Ministry of Health launch of the National Climate Change Health National Adaptation Plan (H-NAP), 22nd August 2024, Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Dr. Herbert Nabaasa, Commissioner Health Services -Environmental Health Department and Dr. Didacus Namanya, a Health Geographer/ Climate Change Focal Person at the Ministry of Health receive their awards.

Among those awarded was Dr. John Bosco Isunju, a Lecturer and Lead on the Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment (VAA) and H-NAP for his technical support and advocacy.

Uganda’s H-NAP was developed to guide climate change adaptation efforts in the health sector and was informed by the Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment (VAA) conducted in 716 selected health facilities across Uganda.

Climate change is by far the greatest threat to human health. Existing scientific evidence from the intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Reports and other sources show that environmental determinants of health such as water, food, air among others have been and will continue to directly and indirectly affected. At the same time, all other components of the health system such as the health infrastructure, health workforce, essential products and supply chains are also being negatively affected by climate change.

Uganda is already experiencing the effects of climate change, which is characterized by floods, and landslides with shorter or longer rains, harsher droughts, and warming up in different parts of the country.

Droughts affect the availability of safe and adequate water supply for domestic consumption, and floods contaminate water with disease causing pollutants, which can result in water-related diseases such as typhoid and cholera.

The vulnerability assessment conducted in 2023 had their results shared at national stakeholder’s validation meetings and at the COP28 in Dubai.

The VAA reported that nearly half (47.6%) of healthcare facilities are vulnerable to drought, while 39.7% face the risk of floods in Uganda. Additionally, 31.1% are exposed to storms, 12.0% are at risk from rising water levels, and 11.7% are susceptible to landslides. Lightning poses a threat to 8.9% of facilities, heat waves affect 2.0%, and cold waves impact 0.1%.

Other findings from the VAA assessment reveals that a significant 76.5% of healthcare facilities in Uganda that are affected by drought reported considerable impacts on their health workforce. Additionally, 73.6% experienced disruptions in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, while 32.6% faced challenges related to infrastructure, technologies, products, and processes.

This H-NAP that has been launched covers ten components based on the WHO framework aimed at building a climate resilient low-carbon health system which is capable of anticipating, responding to, coping with, recovering from. and adapting to climate-related shocks and stress, while minimising the greenhouse gas emissions and other negative environmental impacts to deliver quality care and protect the health and well-being of present and future generations of Uganda.

The H-NAP proposes a range of short-term and long-term interventions across ten components: climate- transformative leadership and governance, climate-smart health workforce, integrated risk monitoring, and sustainable financing among others. Specific actions include; developing guidelines for mainstreaming climate and health, training health workers, enhancing disease surveillance systems, and revising infrastructure standards for climate-proofing.

Partners at the launch of the H-NAP after fundraising meeting at the sidelines of the event. Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) at the Ministry of Health launch of the National Climate Change Health National Adaptation Plan (H-NAP), 22nd August 2024, Sheraton Kampala Hotel, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Partners at the launch of the H-NAP after fundraising meeting at the sidelines of the event.

Stakeholders at the H-NAP launch noted that its success relies on strong collaboration between government ministries, health agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector, ensuring a coordinated and effective response to climate change.

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Davidson Ndyabahika

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Call for Apllication: The James M. Ntambi Postdoctoral Fellowship

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Professor James M. Ntambi, a professor in the UW–Madison Department of Biochemistry. Photo: wisc.edu

The James M. Ntambi Postdoctoral Fellowship offers an exciting opportunity for early-career scientists who have completed their Ph.D. training at a university in Africa. Fellows will be able to expand their existing research experience in biochemistry related to human metabolic diseases, continue their career development, and make impactful contributions to the scientific community upon their return to Africa.

The selected fellows will work in a cutting-edge research lab led by a faculty member from the University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Biochemistry who will mentor and support the fellow throughout the duration of the fellowship.

The Department of Biochemistry is built on a commitment to excellence in basic research, established when it was founded in 1883, and continuing to the present day. Contributions by our researchers have dramatically changed our understanding of life and rank among the highlights of biochemistry to date. You can learn more about the Department’s history on our About page, and about the University of Wisconsin–Madison on the university’s main website.

Madison, Wisconsin is located northwest of Chicago, Illinois, an approximately 2.5 hours drive or bus ride from O’Hare International Airport.

Application materials must be uploaded by August 31, 2025.
Accompanying recommendations must be uploaded by September 15, 2025.

Visit the website to learn more, including eligibility details and how to apply: https://biochem.wisc.edu/the-james-m-ntambi-postdoctoral-fellowship

Mak Editor

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Partnering for Health: Makerere and AHF Uganda Cares Unite Against HIV/AIDS

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National Medical Director-AHF Uganda Cares, Dr. Lubanga Augustine hands over condom dispensers and condoms to the 91st Vice Guild President-H.E. Kadondi Gracious as officials witness on 30th July 2025. Makerere University and the Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Uganda Cares meeting to collaborate on HIV/AIDS prevention and care services for the University’s student population, 30th July 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

Makerere University and the Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Uganda Cares on July 30, 2025 held a meeting focused on establishing and strengthening collaboration between the two institutions in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The collaboration will particularly focus on prevention and care services for the University’s student population.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy University Secretary, Mr. Kizito Simon who presided over the meeting mentioned that Makerere University is involved in human capital development, aiming to create a healthy population alongside an educated one. “It’s not only good to have an educated population, but a healthy population as well,” he noted.

Mr. Kizito stated that the government supports various interventions in HIV prevention, care, and treatment, with the Makerere University Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) playing a leading supportive role. On this note, he encouraged AHF Uganda Cares to equally come on board in order to strengthen the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The Deputy University Secretary outlined the Makerere University strategic plan’s prioritization of engagement and partnerships with various sectors, including ministries, departments, agencies, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector in order to strengthen its research-led aspirations. He therefore encouraged Uganda Cares to support HIV AIDS services, including prevention, care, and treatment, and to collaborate in research and innovation, especially with faculty members already engaged in HIV AIDS-related research.

However, he highlighted the demographic vulnerability of Uganda’s young population, with 73.2% aged between zero and thirty years old, making them a high risk group for infections. “This is more than just a time bomb for all of us here, because this is the population which we are hoping to be productive in the later years,” he pointed out.

Makerere University and the Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Uganda Cares meeting to collaborate on HIV/AIDS prevention and care services for the University’s student population, 30th July 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
The meeting in session.

Mr. Kizito expressed appreciation for the wellness clinic initiative, which is poised to provide accessible sexual reproductive health services to students at no cost. On this note, he stressed the need to publicize these services to ensure students are aware of the available resources and are supported to overcome shyness and reluctance to seek help.

The 91st Guild President Makerere University, H.E. Ssentamu Churchill James with concern noted the increasing levels of irresponsible behavior among young people, which has led to the high risk of contracting STDs, and welcomed initiatives proposed by AHF Uganda Cares.

He further highlighted the recent concluded HIV awareness campaign with Guild Leaders and the Director of the Makerere University Hospital. The campaign was aimed at educating students about HIV and other STDs, emphasizing the importance of knowledge and awareness.

H.E. Ssentamu pointed out that the first year students who are soon arriving on Campus are a key target audience for these awareness efforts. He stressed the importance of abstinence but also emphasized the need for protection in case of emergencies.

The 91st Guild President suggested the possibility of counseling for those who have already contracted STDs. “I hope we can have an attachment of counselling for people that have already contracted diseases,” he stated.

He took note of existing efforts such as the government’s stock of contraception and the presence of health ministers at every hall of residence. In this regard, he proposed a linkage between the initiative and these health committee members through the Guild Minister of Health Affairs to ensure continuity.

National Medical Director of AHF Uganda Cares, Dr. Lubanga Augustine. Makerere University and the Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Uganda Cares meeting to collaborate on HIV/AIDS prevention and care services for the University’s student population, 30th July 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
National Medical Director of AHF Uganda Cares, Dr. Lubanga Augustine.

The National Medical Director-AHF Uganda Cares, Dr. Lubanga Augustine expressed gratitude for the opportunity to discuss collaboration with Makerere University. He particularly noted previous collaborations and the need to seize opportunities for future collaboration.

 He highlighted that AHF Uganda Cares provides cutting-edge medicine regardless of the patient’s ability to pay and advocates for conducive policies to increase access to HIV and STI services.

Dr. Lubanga emphasized the importance of addressing the gap in young people’s access to health services particularly for sexual health issues. He noted that even parents and guardians often avoid discussing sexual issues contributing to a lack of education awareness among young people.

He pointed out that funding for HIV prevention has shifted towards treatment despite the need for continued prevention efforts. In this, he called for increased advocacy and partnerships to secure funding for health services particularly for young people. He appreciated past interventions such as installing condom dispensers in hostels and the need for renewed partnerships with university leaders.

Dr. Lubanga expressed willingness to collaborate with the University Hospital to ensure that no one is left behind in HIV and STI services. As a sign of their commitment, AHF Uganda Cares handed over condom dispensers and condoms to the university.

Dr. Byamugisha Josaphat, Director at the Makerere University Hospital emphasized the importance of prevention in health, through programs such as STI prevention, HIV early treatment, and health education “Prevention is better than cure,” he said. He highlighted that the hospital has got satellite clinics at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK) and the Jinja Campus, serving a significant number of students, staff and the public.

The Director discussed the need for health education and information materials, including pamphlets and WhatsApp messages, to educate students and the public about HIV. “The university is already running health education programs for students and surrounding communities,” he stated.

Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha (Right) makes his remarks as Dr. Lubanga Augustine (Left) and Mr. Simon Kizito (Centre) listen. Makerere University and the Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Uganda Cares meeting to collaborate on HIV/AIDS prevention and care services for the University’s student population, 30th July 2025, Main Building, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.
Prof. Josaphat Byamugisha (Right) makes his remarks as Dr. Lubanga Augustine (Left) and Mr. Simon Kizito (Centre) listen.

Dr. Byamugisha further highlighted the importance of male circumcision as a preventive measure against HIV, which is already being offered at the university hospital. “We are aware that safe male circumcision can prevent about 60% of male HIV,” he explained. 

He talked about the need for supplies and human resources for screening, emphasizing the importance of protecting the university community and surrounding areas. “The university hospital aims to go beyond just serving students but also help the broader community,” he added.

The Hospital Director emphasized the importance of peer-to-peer interaction between students and staff to enhance health education and support as this could help the students open up more on sexual issues which may not be the case with a person who is older than them. He further explained students undertaking internship at the Makerere University Hospital already have the advantage of easily talking to the staff about these issues.

Dr. Byamugisha highlighted the need for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) drugs and counseling, ensuring that people understand the importance of taking these drugs. He suggested specific targets for collaboration, such as supporting a medical officer and providing services rather than cash. “Many a time we don’t need cash, we need in-kind support through a person or provision of a service,” he stated.

In his final remarks, he appealed for support to make services more accessible to students and reiterated the importance of collaboration to protect students and the broader community.

The Deputy Principal, College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT)-Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule, highlighted that 75% of young people contracting HIV are between the ages of 14 and 24, indicating a need for targeted prevention efforts.

He pointed out the poverty among girls as a significant issue contributing to the spread of HIV because they look at the sexual related practices as means of earning a living which has led to the high spread of these infections.

Prof. Kasule emphasized the importance of involving different religious institutions to sensitize people about the organization’s work and counteract negative perceptions. He suggested that the organization should collaborate with various religious institutions. “Even Born Agains are involved in the sexual relationships but cannot come out to express themselves,” he added.

He stressed the importance of open discussions about gender and sexuality free from fear and trouble, and he raised the need for sensitization within and outside the institution.

 Coordinator of the HIV program at AHF Uganda Cares, Mrs. Mbabazi Martha, introduced the girl’s act program which aims to empower young women to address issues affecting them at various levels, from primary school to national policy. “The program encourages young women to raise their voices and influence policies that affect their lives,” she commented.

She highlighted the success of the program in engaging young people and influencing policy changes at different levels of governance, such as the distribution of sanitary pads in schools and communities.

Mrs. Mbabazi emphasized the importance of skilling centers for young girls to gain economic independence and avoid exploitation. She highlighted the success of webinars and dialogues in raising awareness and influencing behavior change. In closing, she called for continued collaboration with various stakeholders to support the empowerment of young people and address the root causes of HIV infection.

Mr. Amojong Trevor, a representative from AHF Uganda Cares, introduced the “Boys to Men” initiative program to address poor health seeking behavior and lack of testing among boys. He emphasized that the need to empower girls should go hand in hand with focusing on boys to prevent the spread of HIV.

He mentioned the low demand of female condoms and suggested demonstration on how to use them to increase awareness and usage.

About AHF Uganda Cares

Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Uganda Cares an NGO based in the USA operating in 47 countries, including 14 in Africa. AHF Uganda Cares started in 2002 in the Masaka region and now operates in 32 districts with over seven health facilities. The organization supports over 203,000 lives on HIV treatment and has tested over 7 million Ugandans for HIV.

The organization offers HIV prevention services, including the ABC (Abstinence, Be Faithful, Condom) approach, and provides about 6 million condoms annually.

Nancy Atwenda

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CHS Annual Report 2024

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Left to Right: Mr. Evarist Bainomugisha, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni, Mr. Simon Kizito, Prof. Damalie Nakanjako, Prof. Bruce Kirenga, Dr. David Patrick Kateete (Rear), Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, Dr. Richard Idro (Rear), Mr. Patrick Akonyet and Prof. Annettee Nakimuli at the handover ceremony on 2nd December 2024. Handover of Principal Office by Prof. Damalie Nakanjako to Assoc. Prof. Bruce Kirenga, 2nd December 2024, College Boardroom, College of Health Sciences (CHS), Makerere University, New Mulago Hospital Complex, Kampala Uganda, East Africa.

It is with great honor that I present to you the Makerere University College of Health Sciences Annual Report 2024. On behalf of the entire College of Health Sciences Community, I express my sincerest thanks and gratitude to the college management team that delivered the work led by Principal Professor Damalie Nakanjako.

The reporting saw several significant achievements that you will be able to read in this report. Notable among these achievements included kick starting the activities to celebrate 100 years since the medical school was started (CHS@100). The College of Health Sciences led and participated in a number of conferences, research dissemination and collaborations notably the college flagship scientific conference, the Joint Annual Scientific Health Conference (JASH) under the theme, “Global Health Security: Partnerships for Epidemic Response and Control in SubSaharan Africa”. Other activities included: hosting Dr. Yin Ye, President of the BGI group in China, a leading institution in genomics research and a manufacturer of whole genome sequencers (alongside illumina Inc. in California), several research dissemination activities of key studies and a symposium on parenting, a ground breaking initiative of our Child Health and Development Centre.

Our faculty continued to engage in research along teaching and providing clinical care and other services in our teaching site. About 400 publications were published and I congratulate all those who made a contribution to this scholarly achievement.

In the area of teaching and learning, I thank all staff academic and non-academic who ensured that our students were taught and examined. I congratulate the School of Biomedical Sciences for having the Biomedical Sciences programme accredited. Two clinical fellowships were also approved by the Uganda Medical and Dental Practitioners Council.

The College of Health Sciences has achieved a lot in this reporting year and the previous years. A lot remains to be done. My team is ready and prepared to take on the challenges of the college in our administration period of 2024-2028.

I wish you all a nice and enjoyable read.

Assoc. Professor Bruce J. Kirenga
PRINCIPAL

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