Uganda has signed a multibillion-dollar memorandum of understanding with the United States aimed at strengthening Uganda’s health care system over the next five years.
The agreement, valued at $2.3 billion, will see the US contribute $1.7 billion , while Uganda will provide $ 500 million. The partnership is intended to bolster Uganda’s capacity to contribute to global health security, improve health outcomes and reduce reliance on foreign health assistance.
During the signing ceremony, the minister of Finance, Matia Kasaija, praised the US government for what he called a significant and timely collaboration.
“This MoU will add another building block to the contributions the US has always made towards supporting the health sector and commodities, including HIV/Aids, TB, malaria, and efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality,” Kasaija said.
The US ambassador, William Klopp, said the agreement represented a strong commitment by both countries to co-invest in a shared goal.
“Today we are building on prior successes and making a significant shift towards promoting self-reliance in the health sector through strong community health systems and clear performance metrics that will prevent and stop outbreaks from threatening Uganda, the US and the world,” Klopp said.
The minister of Health, Dr Ruth Aceng said the deal will expand Uganda’s health workforce.
“There will be more doctors, nurses, midwives and community health workers who are well trained and equitably distributed,” Aceng said.
Under the memorandum, the government of Uganda has also committed to increasing domestic financing for health by about $50 million annually.
