Uganda
Following decades of instability, in recent years Uganda has begun to make modest health service gains, but with 87% of the population living in rural, hard-to-reach and low-resourced areas, many still lack access to quality health care.
THET’s engagement in Uganda dates back to 1991 when our founder, Sir Eldryd Parry, started teaching at Mulago Hospital and supporting the publication of medical journals. Since then our work in Uganda has hugely expanded, with 44 projects under the Health Partnership Scheme having been implemented in the country over seven years.
In May 2016, we opened our Country Office with a focus on improving the co-ordination, joint learning, and ministerial alignment of UK-Uganda health partnerships. THET Uganda also provides financial oversight and other support to the Uganda UK Health Alliance.
CURRENT PROJECTS
West Uganda Mental Health Project (2021 – 2022)
Funded by the UK Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)
AIM: To reduce the burden of mental and neurological illness and substance abuse (MNS) in the regions of Arua and Mbarara. It will also provide non-specialist mental health workers with comprehensive training within health facilities, and the piloting of Peer Support services for mental health service users in refugee and host community settings.
IMPACT: Clinical staff will be trained in the World Health Organization’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme, with additional psycho-social support. Non-specialist heath workers will have a better understanding and confidence to treat MNS. This will result in increased numbers of people with MNS being diagnosed and receiving treatment.
PARTNERS: East London NHS Trust, Makerere University, Ministry of Health, Arua Hospital, Mbarara Hospital.
Uganda UK Health Alliance (UUKHA)
AIM: To contribute to the development and sustainability of the alliance.
IMPACT: THET Uganda strengthens and supports the mechanism of UUKHA, helping to ensure the sustainability of the organisation, increasing its membership, improving its communications, and providing financial management and oversight. Please click here for more information about UUKHA’s work.
PARTNERS: Uganda UK Health Alliance and Health Education England
For further information about THET’s work in Uganda, please contact our Programmes Coordinator, Kat Brassington.
