Japan to boost Uganda's health sector

KAMPALA-The Health Ministry has today signed a Memorandum of Cooperation  (MOC) agreement with Japan to promote health care and enhance economic growth in Uganda.

Health Minister, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng signed the agreement on behalf of Uganda whereas Japanese ambassador to Uganda Kazuaki Kameda signed on behalf of Japan.

Aceng said the MOC will support the ministry in prevention, control and treatment of non-communicable and communicable diseases including; HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Malaria, Hepatitis B and Diarrhea.

She was speaking during the signing ceremony at the health ministry's headquarters today. 

Kazuaki Kameda (left), the ambassador of Japan to Uganda, and health minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng after signing a memorandum of cooperation in healthcare and wellness at the ministry headquarters in Kampala on Wednesday. Right is health state minister Dr. Joyce Kaducu. (Photo by Timothy Murungi)

Other areas of focus include improving reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health to reduce mortality and morbidity.

The funds shall also be channeled towards increasing access to hygienic and affordable toilets as well as acquiring innovation in medical-related industries.

Kameda said whereas Africa has achieved high economic growth against the backdrop of abundant natural resources and rapid population growth, attracting attention and expectation as a potential market, basic infrastructure needed to foster the health care system remains a challenge.

"There is also a need to improve the social environment by raising awareness on public health and hygiene as well as dietary habits," he said adding that urgent issues such as infections and malnutrition also need to be addressed.

Once these are solved, Kameda said it will not only promote health and wellness but also scale down on medical expenses thus furthering economic development.

Kameda who did not reveal how much funds they had committed said the programme will run for five years.