Uganda Moves to Integrate Disease Services for Stronger Health System
Uganda has announced decisive measures to integrate service delivery for communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases, as the country moves to confront a rising dual burden of ill-health.
The announcement was made during the National Annual Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases and 19th Joint Scientific Health Conference, held under the theme “Unified Action Against Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases.”
Minister of Health, Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, said the complexity of public health threats demands joined-up efforts. “Health promotion and disease control are not the responsibility of the health sector alone, but require active collaboration across sectors,” she observed.
Delivering a keynote address, Dr Queen Dube from WHO headquarters stressed that the logic for integration is clear. “CDs and NCDs share risk factors, co-morbidities, and often compete for the same resources. Integration is not just logical, it’s essential,” she said.
Conference participants agreed on four core enablers for effective integration:
- Breaking Silos by removing operational barriers between CD and NCD programmes through innovative and locally tailored solutions.
- Harmonising Systems by creating interoperable data platforms, stronger supply chains, and coordinated workforce training.
- Prioritising Prevention through early screening, public awareness and community-centred approaches.
- Strengthening Primary Health Care by embedding services for HIV, TB, malaria and related conditions in PHC and community structures.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Dr Diana Atwine, said the country has both the capacity and knowledge to deliver integrated care. “The science is well known, and the practice is clear. Even with minimal resources, we can do it,” she affirmed.
WHO Representative, Dr Kasonde Mwinga, praised Uganda’s leadership, noting that the country’s people-centred approach sets a positive example regionally. “By aligning national strategies with a wider regional vision, we can confront complex health challenges with unity and purpose,” he said, adding that the goal is a healthier, more resilient Africa where no one is left behind.
