Uganda's health crisis transparency hailed as patriotic duty

Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth emphasized that Uganda’s openness in confronting health crises, such as HIV/AIDS and Ebola, is not merely a policy choice but a patriotic obligation.

During a meeting with Dr. Beccy Cooper, Chairperson of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on Global Health, Oboth explained that Uganda deliberately chose to share its health challenges with the world, even when silence might have protected its economic interests.

This commitment to transparency, Oboth stressed, was driven by a desire to develop robust management strategies and to protect the international community from the spread of infectious diseases. “It was not about economics, it was about health,” he asserted, highlighting how this proactive stance has enabled Uganda to effectively manage significant medical challenges.

Dr. Cooper acknowledged Uganda’s outstanding achievements in the health sector, noting that the UK benefits directly from Uganda’s leadership in regional health initiatives. She pointed out that infectious diseases transcend borders, making collaboration and transparency crucial for global health security.

The Minister of State for Health in Charge of Primary Health Care, Hon. Charles Ayume, expressed gratitude for the UK’s ongoing support, particularly in training and capacity building for health workers during recent outbreaks like COVID-19 and Ebola.

Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4520/transparency-health-crises-patriotic-duty-oboth