A comprehensive new report, ‘Rethinking refugee and migrant health systems: Challenges and opportunities for long-term health system strengthening in Uganda’, was officially released by Uganda’s Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) on 15 October. , highlighting the urgent need. Strengthen Uganda’s health system to better support both refugee and migrant communities.
Uganda, Africa’s largest refugee-hosting country, faces unique challenges in providing comprehensive health care to more than 1.6 million refugees hosted primarily in refugee settlements in northern and southwestern Uganda and in the city of Kampala. I am doing it.
Dr. Jane Ruth Aseng, Uganda’s Minister of Health, said: “To ensure that Uganda has a strong health system that can meet the needs of its entire population, we need to build on existing policies and strategies that give migrants fair access to health services. It is important to improve.”
This report was carried out by WHO and the Uganda Ministry of Health in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (IOM). and the results of extensive research into the immigrant health care system. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). This document outlines some key strategies to improve health services for both displaced people and host communities and strengthen the capacity of Uganda’s health system.
Key findings and recommendations include:
Strengthening health workforce capacity: Strengthen the training and skillsets of health professionals to meet the complex health needs of refugees and migrants. Expanding access to essential health resources: Improve the availability of life-saving medicines, equipment and services in all regions hosting refugees. Coordination among stakeholders: Promote stronger partnerships and cooperation between government agencies, international organizations, and local health organizations.
The report also highlights important steps to improve Uganda’s health system by integrating refugees and addressing the unique needs of both migrants and host communities.
Further considerations from the report include identifying and implementing new financing strategies, creating a comprehensive health insurance system, and strengthening intersectoral collaboration with other ministries to address broader health determinants. etc. are included.
These joint efforts aim to build more resilient and inclusive health systems that effectively serve refugees, migrants, and host communities, while laying the foundation for long-term sustainability. I am.
“Uganda’s leadership in integrating refugees and migrants into its health system is a model of solidarity in action that guarantees access to essential health services for all,” said Santino Severoni, Director of Health and Migration, WHO. said the doctor.
The report presentation was moderated by Dr. Jane Ruth Aseng, Minister of Health of Uganda, and was attended by Dr. Santino Severoni, WHO Director of Health and Migration, Dr. Moeti Matshidiso, WHO Regional Director for Africa, WHO Acting Representative to Uganda, and UNHCR Uganda Country Representative Charles・Conducted with Dr. Njuguna. Mr. Matthew Crencil and IOM Uganda Delegation Head Dr. Sanusi Tejan Savage.
The hybrid event, held in Kampala and online, brought together key stakeholders from the Government of Uganda, United Nations (UN) agencies, donors and other partners to discuss the report’s findings. It also highlighted the collaborative efforts of United Nations agencies to improve the delivery of health services to refugees, migrants and host communities in Uganda, with the aim of facilitating further action and resource mobilization.
Dr Moeti Matshidiso, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said: “Countries should harness the potential of migrants and refugees and contribute to service delivery task forces by drawing on their skills and experience.”
Health system strengthening efforts and implementation of planned action items are already underway. In February 2024, UNHCR and WHO signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation to help the Government of Uganda improve health services for migrants, refugees and host communities, and IOM and WHO signed a Memorandum of Understanding on October 15, 2024. signed a letter of understanding. On the same day as the publication of the Uganda Health System Review Report.
Matthew Crencil, UNHCR Country Representative for Uganda, said: “This partnership will support Uganda’s efforts to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, while supporting the rights and health of displaced people. The aim is to strengthen the
Editor’s note:
Uganda is the largest refugee-hosting country in Africa and the fifth-largest refugee-hosting country in the world. For decades, Uganda has hosted refugees from countries such as South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan, Burundi and Rwanda. As of early August 2024, there were 1.6 million refugees in Uganda, mainly living in refugee settlements in northern and southwestern Uganda and in Kampala city.
The government currently supports refugees through policies that promote freedom of movement, integration, social services, employment, and access to land. Refugees and asylum seekers also receive a comprehensive medical package, including emergency care, psychological first aid, and continued access to primary health care services once settled.
