Aceng dedicates Africa health award to Uganda’s frontline workers
Aceng dedicated the award to Uganda’s frontline health workers, community health workers, and the committed team at the Ministry of Health, who she said work tirelessly to safeguard public health.
Health minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng has been been recognised for her contributions to public health. This was in Casablanca, Morocco, on Saturday, February 22, 2025. (Courtesy photo)
By Joseph Ekol
Journalists @New Vision
Dr Jane Ruth Aceng has once again been recognised for her contributions to public health, but she insists the honour belongs to Uganda’s frontline health workers.
The health minister received the African Public Health Champion of the Year 2024 Award at a high-profile event in Casablanca, Morocco, on Saturday, February 22, 2025, where she praised the dedication of health professionals across the country.
The colourful event attracted several African heads of state, including Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina, who was also honoured with the same award. Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete presented the award to Dr Aceng.
In her acceptance speech, Aceng dedicated the honour to Uganda’s commitment to public health.
“This award symbolises Uganda’s unwavering dedication to public health,” she said, thanking the African Leadership Organisation for the recognition and for celebrating leadership that transforms lives across the continent.
She also commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his strong leadership and the continued strengthening of partnerships.
“We are able to do this because of the strong leadership of our President; H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the strong partnerships and unwavering dedication of our health workers,” she said.
Aceng, who also serves as the Woman MP for Lira city, dedicated the award to Uganda’s frontline health workers, community health workers, and the committed team at the Ministry of Health, who she said work tirelessly to safeguard public health.
She reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to strengthening both primary and tertiary healthcare beyond outbreak response.
“I also dedicate this award to my family, the people of Lira city, and the over 45.9 million supportive Ugandans.”
In July 2024, Dr Aceng received another international award for her exemplary leadership in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. This recognition was given at a conference organised by Livelihood Development Initiatives International Canada in Toronto, Canada.