The 5th Uganda UK Health Alliance (UUKHA) Symposium was a resounding success, held in a hybrid format at the Mestil Hotel in Kampala.
The event showcased the UK’s support for global health initiatives in Uganda and brought together a diverse group of stakeholders.
What You Need to Know
The Uganda UK Health Alliance is a coalition of health-related organizations registered in both Uganda and the UK.
Established in 2013 through a memorandum of understanding between Uganda’s Ministry of Health and the NHS, UUKHA has grown to include over 200 members.
The alliance operates under the core values of collaboration, shared learning, and co-development.
Highlights from the Event
The symposium was a transformative experience, featuring leading experts, practitioners, and development partners from around the globe.
Discussions emphasized the substantial contributions that health institutions in both Uganda and the UK can make towards improving health outcomes.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, welcomed participants and highlighted Uganda’s pride in hosting the event.
“This hybrid gathering showcases the impact of various UK-supported global health programs,” she said.
She also acknowledged the partnerships that have led to significant progress in areas such as maternal and child health, disease outbreak response, and the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Philip Smith, Acting British High Commissioner, praised the Uganda UK Health Alliance as a shining example of collaboration between the two nations.
“Through the energy and enthusiasm of health practitioners from both countries, we can improve health outcomes for everyone,” he stated.
Ged Byrne, Director of Global Engagement at Health Education England, delivered an inspiring keynote address, calling for impactful collaborations to strengthen health systems in both Uganda and the UK.
Dr. Sheba Gitta, Country Director of THET in Uganda, discussed the Commonwealth partnerships for antimicrobial stewardship and highlighted the success of the SCALE critical care partnership, which has enhanced the skills of Ugandan healthcare professionals.
Several healthcare professionals, including Dr. Tumusiime Prosper, Dr. Claire, Dr. Gayle, Dr. John Sekabira, Dr. Diane Nzelu, Prof. Anna David, Dr. Derek, and Hannah, shared their experiences, showcasing the power of collaboration in advancing critical care skills.
The symposium recognized contributions from various organizations, including Cambridge University Hospitals NHS, Kids Operating Room, RCEM Global Emergency Medicine, and Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. Their efforts in building global healthcare capacity in Uganda were commended.
Moses Mulimira, a lead figure in UUKHA, expressed gratitude to development partners, especially the British High Commission in Uganda, for their support in fostering health diplomacy between the two nations.
“We will continue to advocate for mutually beneficial global health cooperation and learning opportunities,” he stated.
With around 300 participants, the successful hybrid event demonstrated a continued commitment to uniting diverse expertise to improve health outcomes for all.
