Kampala, (UG):- The 5th Uganda-UK Health Alliance (UUKHA) Symposium has concluded successfully by highlighting UK support for global health initiatives in Uganda; a significant milestone in Uganda-UK health collaboration.
The hybrid event, held at Mestil Hotel in Kampala, brought together over 300 participants, including health professionals, development partners, and policymakers, to discuss the impact of UK-supported health programs and future partnerships.
The symposium featured leading experts from both Uganda and the UK, who highlighted the vast potential for continued collaboration between the two nations. Key discussions centred on how joint efforts can improve healthcare delivery and address global health challenges.
In her remarks at the Symposium, Dr Diana Atwine, Uganda’s Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Health, praised the long-standing partnerships between Uganda and the UK and how the event showcases the tremendous impact of UK-supported health initiatives.
“These partnerships have contributed to significant progress in areas such as maternal and child health, disease outbreak response, and HIV/AIDS prevention,” Dr Atwine said.
Philip Smith, Acting British High Commissioner to Uganda, emphasized the alliance’s role as a model for bilateral cooperation.
“The Uganda UK Health Alliance exemplifies the strength of our partnership. By connecting healthcare professionals from both countries to share expertise and innovative ideas, we are building stronger health systems that benefit everyone,” Smith noted.
While Ged Byrne, Director of Global Engagement at Health Education England, delivered a keynote address calling for deeper, more impactful collaborations. He emphasized that partnerships between Uganda and the UK are essential for creating sustainable and resilient health systems.
Showcasing Successful Initiatives
Several notable health professionals and organizations presented at the event including Dr. Sheba Gitta, Country Director of the Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET) who shared the successes of the Commonwealth Partnerships for Antimicrobial Stewardship (CwPAMS) program and the SCALE Critical Care Partnership. Both initiatives have significantly enhanced the skills of healthcare workers in Uganda.
Meanwhile, Dr Tumusiime Prosper, Dr John Sekabira, Prof. Anna David, and other healthcare experts also shared their experiences, underscoring the impact of collaboration on advancing critical care in Uganda.
UK-based institutions such as Cambridge University Hospitals NHS, the Kids Operating Room, and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital were also recognized at the symposium for their contributions to building healthcare capacity in Uganda.
A Call for Continued Collaboration
Moses Mulimira, the lead coordinator of UUKHA, expressed gratitude to development partners, particularly the British High Commission, for their continued support. “We remain committed to advocating for mutually beneficial global health cooperation between Uganda and the UK,” Mulimira said, adding that future collaborations will focus on capacity building and innovative health solutions.
The success of the symposium reaffirms the commitment of both nations to harness their collective expertise in addressing pressing health challenges and improving health outcomes for all. The event’s high level of participation signals a bright future for Uganda-UK health partnerships.
The Uganda UK Health Alliance, established in 2013 following a memorandum of understanding between Uganda’s Ministry of Health and the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), has grown into a robust network of over 200 member organizations. The Alliance operates under the core principles of joint collaboration, shared learning, and co-development, working to improve health systems in both countries.
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