AIDS INFORMATION CENTRE-UGANDA

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞-𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧 The Ministry of Health has called for stronger collaboration between government, academia, researchers and other health sector stakeholders to ensure that scientific evidence informs policy, guides strategic interventions and improves the delivery of health services across Uganda. Addressing participants at the 20th Joint Annual Scientific Health Conference (JASH) and the 2nd Annual Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases Conference at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Dr Stavia Turyshabwe,Commissioner for Communicable Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Health emphasised that the annual gathering provides an important platform for examining how science shapes policy and how policy, in turn, translates scientific evidence into practical interventions that respond to national health priorities. Held under the theme “Unified Action Against Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases,” the conference brings together researchers, academics, policymakers and health professionals to assess progress, share research findings and strengthen coordinated action against Uganda’s disease burden. The Ministry noted that communicable and non-communicable diseases continue to place demands on health services, alongside emerging challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, climate-sensitive diseases and other public health threats. It also cautioned that despite progress in controlling certain disease outbreaks, continued transmission in neighbouring countries and cross-border movement remain potential sources of public health risk. To address these challenges, the Ministry highlighted key priorities, including strengthening health infrastructure, integrating health services, improving data systems and translating research into practice. Other priorities include developing a skilled health workforce, ensuring sustainable domestic financing for disease prevention and control, and building resilience and preparedness for public health emergencies. Dr Stavia highlighted the responsibility of academic and medical training institutions to generate evidence that informs national programmes, evaluates interventions and guides future strategies. Universities and researchers were encouraged to assess whether existing interventions are achieving their intended outcomes and to provide evidence that can help policymakers refine approaches where results remain limited. The Ministry also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand integrated health services, including the use of existing community and health campaign platforms to improve access to screening, prevention and other essential interventions. These efforts include integrating services for communicable diseases with other priority health interventions, particularly through coordinated campaigns and service delivery at community level. In addition, the Ministry emphasised the importance of strengthening coordination among government agencies, academic institutions, civil society and private sector partners, while improving the use of available resources to support prevention, early detection and people-centred healthcare. The conference is expected to strengthen collaboration between science and policymaking, promote the practical application of research findings and support evidence-based strategies for reducing the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases in Uganda. #OpenGovUg