Uganda’s health sector has been dealt a major blow. The United States government has closed down the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Africa, ending decades of support to Uganda’s health programs.
For many years, USAID funded key services that saved lives- including HIV/AIDS treatment, malaria prevention, maternal health care, child immunisation, family planning, and nutrition support. In 2022 alone, USAID gave Uganda over $500 million for health and development programs.
But now, that help is gone. The Trump administration’s decision to shut down USAID means Uganda must find new ways to keep these important health services running.
A Big Gap in Health Funding
According to the Ministry of Health, Uganda is now facing a funding gap of more than Shs400 billion. This shortfall puts millions of Ugandans at risk- especially those living with HIV/AIDS, mothers and babies, and people in need of malaria treatment.
Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, the Minister of Health, said at a recent meeting: “Most of our critical programmes- especially those in HIV/AIDS, malaria, maternal health and immunisation- have historically relied on USAID support. We are now forced to reallocate domestic resources or risk losing the progress we’ve made over the last 20 years.”
What Does This Mean for Uganda?
- HIV/AIDS programs may struggle to provide life-saving medicines.
- Malaria prevention efforts could slow down, risking more deaths.
- Mothers and babies may lose access to safe care and vaccines.
- Refugee health and nutrition services may suffer.
Local health workers and NGOs are already seeing service disruptions. Some clinics report drug shortages and delays in care.
What Can Be Done?
-The Ugandan government must act fast to fill the funding gap by increasing domestic support for health.
-Partnerships with local businesses, NGOs, and international friends should be explored to raise money.
-All of us – as citizens must raise our voices to call for action. We need to protect the progress Uganda has made in health over the year
So, let’s not watch our health gains slip away. It is time to stand together, find solutions, and protect the health of our people.
