The ministry of Health has announced plans to equip all national referral hospitals with lung units as part of efforts to improve the diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases in Uganda.
Dr Charles Olaro, the Director General of Health Services at the ministry, said the units will strengthen the country’s capacity to handle the rising burden of lung-related illnesses. He was speaking at Makerere University during the opening of the third Makerere University Institute of Lung Science and Health Symposium, which also marked the institute’s tenth anniversary.
“As the ministry of Health, we support the establishment of these centres of excellence that aim to improve lung health in Uganda. This means we shall collaborate with you to save the lives of millions of Ugandans,” Dr Olaro said.
He noted the increasing number of respiratory cases, including pneumonia and asthma, which he linked to smoking and poor air quality caused by pollution. He said the ministry intends to lobby the government to fast-track enforcement of the anti-tobacco law to penalise public smoking.
Dr Olaro also disclosed that the ministry is finalising a memorandum of understanding with the Makerere University Lung Institute. The partnership will focus on improving health coverage, building the capacity of healthcare workers, and strengthening collaboration with other healthcare facilities nationwide to reduce the strain on the institute.
He said the Lung Institute has played a central role in managing chronic respiratory conditions and infection control, and that the government remains committed to supporting its work.
Prof Jeremiah Chakaya, the guest speaker, warned of the high global burden of asthma and post-tuberculosis lung disease. He said about 300 million people worldwide are living with asthma, describing the situation as a growing challenge in lung health.
He added that people living with HIV may be at higher risk of developing asthma, and that poverty in many African communities has worsened vulnerability due to malnutrition, poor housing, limited access to medical care, and conflict.
Dr Simon Walusimbi, the chair of the symposium’s organising committee, welcomed partnerships aimed at strengthening lung health in Uganda.
Statistics show that Africa continues to face high rates of respiratory diseases such as asthma, lung cancer, and other infections, many of which are linked to poverty and limited healthcare access.
