The recent termination of health funding by the U.S. government has sparked significant concern among Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) focused on health, human rights, and social justice in Uganda.
The cessation of approximately 5,800 USAID programs, which support critical health initiatives such as HIV, TB, malaria, and Ebola, poses a serious threat to the health and well-being of millions of Ugandans.
At a press conference held at HEPS-Uganda offices in Nakulabye, key representatives outlined six urgent demands aimed at mitigating the potential public health crisis stemming from this funding cut.
Richard Lusimbo, the Director General of Uganda Key Population Consortium emphasized the necessity for the government to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the immediate and long-term impacts of the funding freeze and to make those findings publicly available.
One of the primary requests is for the establishment of an Emergency Task Force within the Uganda AIDS Commission. This task force is expected to coordinate a robust and inclusive national response to the challenges arising from the funding termination, in line with previous agreements.
The CSOs also urged the government to create and publicly share a clear roadmap that includes timelines and resources for assuming full responsibility for the health sector. This plan should focus on maintaining essential health services and strengthening community systems to work towards universal health coverage.
In addition, they called on the Minister of Health to prioritize enhanced financing for the health sector in the upcoming cabinet discussions. This would address funding shortfalls and guarantee ongoing access to vital services related to HIV, TB, and maternal and child health.
Another significant demand is for the expedited establishment of a National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to ensure that all Ugandans have equitable access to quality healthcare services. The CSOs expressed their readiness to support the government in this endeavor.
Immaculate Owomugisha, Executive Director of Center for Women Justice Uganda, highlighted the importance of effectively integrating HIV and AIDS, malaria, and TB services into routine outpatient and chronic disease care. This strategy could play a crucial role in sustaining access to essential health services.
Lastly, Kenneth Mwehonge, Executive Director of HEPS-Uganda, emphasized the immediate need for Parliament to approve a supplementary appropriation of UGX 300 billion. This funding is critical to address severe gaps and ensure uninterrupted access to essential evidence-based health services, including testing, prevention, and treatment for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, Mpox, and Ebola.
The collective efforts and demands from these organizations reflect a proactive approach to safeguarding public health and ensuring that the most vulnerable populations receive the care and support they need in the wake of reduced international funding.
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