Health
Makerere University Launches Social Innovation in Health Initiative Community of Practice
Kampala, 09 April 2025— Makerere University has officially launched the Social Innovation in Health Initiative Community of Practice (SIHICOP)—a new platform designed to connect local health innovators with policymakers, donors, and researchers. The goal: to turn scattered success stories into a powerful, nationwide movement that reimagines healthcare from the ground up.
The launch, held during the 6th National Social Innovation in Health Stakeholders’ Workshop at Hotel Africana in Kampala, drew a dynamic mix of changemakers, health innovators, academics, donors, and government leaders, all rallying around one idea: that equitable, sustainable healthcare must be rooted in communities.
While Uganda has made notable progress, cutting under-five deaths by 66% since 2000, challenges remain. Fifty out of every 1,000 children still die before their fifth birthday. Nearly half suffer from stunting due to malnutrition. In rural areas, pregnant women walk for hours to reach clinics. Across the country, hospitals battle frequent drug shortages.
Dr. Phyllis Awor, Director of the SIHI Uganda Hub at Makerere University’s School of Public Health (MakSPH), emphasized the critical role of social innovation in closing healthcare gaps. “Half of Ugandan children lack basic vaccinations, and 40% face stunting. These challenges demand creative, inclusive solutions co-created with communities,” she said.
“We’ve spent a decade identifying, studying, and strengthening grassroots innovations. Through our six-month fellowship program, we train innovators in monitoring and evaluation, research, communication, impact assessment, and fundraising so their work doesn’t just survive but scales,” she said. “Today, we’re awarding them completion certificates and launching them into a vibrant community of practice.”
Dr. Awor, who is also a Lecturer and Researcher maintains Social Innovation is about solving these real problems with real people. With the support of the Swedish Embassy and the World Health Organization’s TDR program, SIHICOP, she says, will foster peer learning, capacity-building, and scaling of innovations like mobile health platforms and community-based maternal care.
Since 2017, Uganda’s SIHI hub has supported 30 homegrown innovations, impacting tens of thousands of lives. “We’ve identified 21 standout solutions so far,” Dr. Awor shared. “But if we want them to go national, we need enabling policies.”
Globally, SIHI was founded in 2014 to bring together innovators, communities, policymakers, and academics across the Global South. With 15 hubs, including Uganda’s, SIHI has documented over 200 innovations and 40 case studies that demonstrate the power of grassroots solutions to improve health systems.
Dr. Olaro Charles, Uganda’s Acting Director General of Health Services, acknowledged that bureaucracy often stifles good ideas. “Sometimes, a small change in how you look at a problem can produce the best and most marketable solution,” he said.
He spoke from experience. As a clinician, Dr. Olaro led efforts to curb drug theft and stockouts by tightening distribution and boosting accountability. “It’s not like people walk off with whole boxes,” he explained. “But if you have 300 employees and each takes just one dose… that adds up. We introduced medicine returns, round-the-clock pharmacies, and ward-level audits. At first, there was resistance, but it worked.”
Another one of his most memorable innovations was setting up a neonatal unit for premature babies while he was a Medical Superintendent. “I remember a baby who weighed less than a kilo, barely six months old, and survived. We pushed survival rates to 85%. Eventually, we ran out of space. We began asking ourselves: Where had these children been going before? Previously, these children may have died within the community. These are innovations that create real, tangible impact. And I’m sure many of the things you’re doing here are creating similar results.”
He urged the Fellows to treat their innovations like living systems: “If they survive infant mortality, they’ll live longer. These ideas deserve to grow.”
Mr. Tomas Lundström, Health Counsellor at the Swedish Embassy, spoke with deep conviction about Sweden’s long-standing investment in Uganda’s future. “For decades, Sweden has believed in Uganda’s greatest asset, its people,” he said. “Through Sida, we funded the training of over 500 Makerere staff for PhDs. I didn’t start it. I didn’t train your PhDs. The Swedish taxpayers actually funded the training. Now that wasn’t just investment; it was transformation. It’s one reason Makerere is the powerhouse it is today.”
Lundström also shared a memory that continues to shape his view of development. While inspecting UNICEF projects in Zambia in 1998, he recalled visiting five villages where only one had shown some success. A driver suggested they visit the last village, the 5th. “We went. No one was there. We waited, then a man came running, covered in dirt. He was the village chief,” Lundström recounted. “He said something I’ve never forgotten: ‘Thomas, when the rainy season comes, we can’t take pregnant women to the clinic. Do you know where I can learn to build a bridge’?”
“That was different from what I usually hear—‘Can we have some money?’ Real change doesn’t come from handouts. It starts within communities.”
But Lundström warned that international aid is under strain. “We’ve already lost a lot of funding from U.S. and other donors. Ukraine, Sudan—global crises are pulling resources away. We must get creative. We must find new ways to secure resources.”
Still, he was optimistic. “We’re seriously considering continued support for another year. We’re also pushing for deeper collaboration between Makerere and Karolinska Institutet. But it’s up to you too,” he said.
He praised Dr. Phyllis Awor and her team: “What sets them apart is not just competence, but passion. She doesn’t do this because it’s her job; she does it because she believes in it. Because everyone deserves a fair chance, a seat at the table, a bit of hope.”
Makerere University Vice Chancellor, Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, echoed those sentiments, describing the School of Public Health as the university’s “engine of change.” He noted that the School contributes to nearly 30% of all university publications—and brings in 40% of its research funding.
“That’s no accident,” he said. “Public health is critical. Without health, there is no progress. That’s why donors invest in public health issues.”
He described the social innovation initiative as a model for how academia and communities can work together, not just to publish but to transform lives. “When global rankings name Makerere the most community-impactful university, they’re recognizing what happens when scholars step beyond lecture halls. This is what happens when researchers dig deep into the ground to cultivate solutions that transcend national boundaries.
The Vice Chancellor also paid tribute to Sweden’s role in that transformation. “We cannot thank the people of Sweden enough. Their support through Sida trained over 500 of our staff to the PhD level—the largest staff development initiative I’ve seen at any university, anywhere. It came when we needed it most, after the war. That’s why Makerere stands today as a leading research institution in Africa.”
He congratulated the 2024/25 Fellows, praising their inspiring journeys, and commended Dr. Awor and her remarkable team of researchers for achieving what only world-class institutions can: “melding razor-sharp academia with the wisdom of villages, policy muscle with frontline innovations.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
-
General3 days agoAdmission Lists for Postgraduate Programmes 2025/26
-
Natural Sciences1 week agoBeyond Being a Dean of Science & Vice Chancellor Emeritus, Prof. Luboobi was a Friend. Just That!
-
Education1 week agoMak CEES wins Grant to Champion Competence-Based Education in Africa
-
General1 week agoNEC Hands Over Refurbished Mary Stuart Hall to Mak
-
General1 week agoIDI Launches Africa’s Largest Campus-Based 384KWp Solar System