President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has emphasized Uganda’s dedication to enhancing public health systems across Africa, particularly in disease control and prevention. He made this statement during a recent meeting with Dr. Jean Kaseya, the Director General of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), at State House in Entebbe.
The discussions, attended by officials from Uganda’s Ministry of Health, focused on key areas such as preventing public health outbreaks like Mpox, boosting local vaccine production, and improving Africa’s laboratory systems.
President Museveni acknowledged the past challenges faced by Uganda’s pharmaceutical industry but expressed hope that collaboration with Africa CDC would encourage progress.
“We have faced difficulties in producing medicines, especially with one of our oldest factories, Quality Chemicals. They’ve struggled with exports to Zambia and East Africa, but your idea of offtake agreements will help boost production across Africa,” said President Museveni.
Improving Africa’s Health Workforce and Systems
The meeting also discussed strengthening Africa’s health workforce and enhancing community health systems to handle disease threats more effectively.
Dr. Kaseya praised Uganda’s efforts and assured Africa CDC’s continued support for local manufacturers to ensure sustainable vaccine production and distribution across the continent. He commended President Museveni for his leadership in promoting Africa-driven public health solutions.
“Your leadership in advocating for African-led public health responses has been vital. I remember your call for an Africa-focused health organization when the continent still heavily relied on external support. Thanks to your vision, we are now working toward self-reliance in tackling our health challenges,” Dr. Kaseya remarked.
Strengthening Health Security
Dr. Kaseya expressed appreciation for Uganda’s role in supporting Africa CDC’s initiatives and emphasized the importance of engaging African leaders in improving the continent’s health security. He pointed out that Africa faces significant risks from pandemics and other health crises, calling for a coordinated, continent-wide response.
“Africa is constantly battling deadly outbreaks that can take many lives in a short time. To overcome these threats, we need strong leadership and self-sufficiency, both of which your vision has long promoted,” Dr. Kaseya added.
Collaboration for a Healthier Africa
Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, also expressed gratitude to Africa CDC for its role in coordinating the fight against disease outbreaks across the continent. She highlighted how the Africa CDC has helped strengthen Africa’s ability to respond to health challenges, particularly within East Africa.
Dr. Aceng emphasized the importance of Africa CDC’s continued efforts in improving health systems across the region and beyond. “The work Africa CDC has done to coordinate regional health responses has been invaluable in addressing various health crises,” she noted.
This high-level meeting comes at a critical time, as Africa CDC ramps up its efforts to prevent disease outbreaks, support local vaccine production, and strengthen health systems across Africa.
