Moderator:
Tumanye Samson:
Senior Clinical Officer, Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, Vice Chairman CPD committee – MCOPU

Date: October 10, 2025, 08:00 PM Nairobi

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“Every woman has a right to a healthy pregnancy”

BHF is working in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, local governments, and Civil Society Organisations to coordinate health interventions through established technical working groups and technical/administrative structures including; District Health teams, and formal and non-formal community structures.

On this project, we aim at building capacity of health workers in Multiple Micronutrient Supplements management and administration in Jinja City and Jinja District.

Nutritional Needs During Pregnancy

Women have increased micronutrient needs during pregnancy — due to their babies’ rapid growth and development — which often cannot be met through diet alone. Pregnancy can increase the required daily intake of several key vitamins and minerals by as much as 50%. This heightened demand is especially problematic in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where many women in underserved communities are already deficient in several micronutrients even before pregnancy.

Malnutrition During Pregnancy

Poor maternal nutrition can cause babies to be born too small, resulting in more than 800,000 newborn deaths annually. Additionally, undernourished women are more likely to develop serious complications during pregnancy and childbirth. For example, anemia — caused by iron deficiency — affects 36% of pregnant women and is believed to increase the risk of death due to postpartum hemorrhage, the leading cause of maternal mortality. Women in LMICs are at a higher risk of anemia because their diets are more likely to be iron deficient. The consequences of poor maternal nutrition carry into childhood and beyond. Children born to undernourished women are more likely to experience physical and cognitive setbacks that can keep them from reaching their full potential as adults.

Formulating the Multiple Micronutrients in Vitamin Angels Nutritional Supplement.

The MMS formulation provided by Vitamin Angels is consistent with the United Nations International Multiple Micronutrient Antenatal Preparation (UNIMMAP) MMS formula and is manufactured to international quality standards. The UNIMMAP MMS formulation contains 15 vitamins and minerals, including iron and folic acid, in recommended doses that have been proven to be effective in multiple regions. UNIMMAP MMS is on the World Health Organization’s Essential Medicines List.

Vitamin Angels is Working to Advance Access to MMS.

Wherever they live, mothers share a common focus: making a better life for their children. Vitamin Angels is working to support moms everywhere by connecting pregnant women with MMS so they can have healthier pregnancies, and their babies get the best start in life. In addition to direct supply, Vitamin Angels is focused on creating demand for MMS, ensuring a global supply, and influencing policy in LMICs to support MMS.

Across the globe, millions of people continue to live without access to safe water, decent sanitation, and proper hygiene services. This remains one of the most persistent public health challenges of our time. According to UNICEF (2024), around 2.2 billion people globally still lack access to safely managed drinking water. The World Bank (2023) and WHO (2022) estimate that 3.5 billion people do not have access to safely managed sanitation services, with a significant portion engaging in open defecation. Meanwhile, 2 billion people live without basic handwashing facilities with soap and water at home.

This global crisis is mirrored in Uganda’s Busoga region, where access to essential WASH services remains limited. Current data shows that only 2.5 percent of households have handwashing facilities with soap, while 17 percent rely on water only. Safe water coverage stands at 56.4 percent, and access to safely managed sanitation services is at 61.34 percent. These statistics represent more than just numbers; they reflect deep inequalities that affect health, education, gender equity, and economic opportunity.

The Link Between WASH and Public Health

WASH is not only central to disease prevention, but also to preserving human dignity—especially for women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Inadequate access to water and sanitation services leads to the spread of preventable diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea, and keeps many families in a cycle of poverty and poor health. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.2 seeks to ensure access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all by the year 2030. With less than five years to go, there is a need for urgent, community-based, and innovative approaches to fast-track progress.

A Strategic Partnership for Change in Busoga

In response to these challenges, a powerful partnership was established on 9th April 2025 between the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) and leading Ugandan institutions including Busoga Health Forum (BHF), Makerere University School of Public Health, and Jinja Regional Referral Hospital. KOFIH, a public agency under the Ministry of Health and Welfare of the Republic of Korea, has been a consistent supporter of Uganda’s health sector since 2017. In 2024, KOFIH attained the status of an international organization operating in Uganda, further amplifying its role in driving health systems strengthening. This WASH initiative is one of its latest contributions, placing Busoga at the center of a new model for local-global health collaboration.

The initiative is built on three pillars: research, innovation, and community education. One of the first steps will involve a baseline survey and operational research to understand the current WASH situation and related health outcomes in selected communities. The data will inform targeted interventions to reduce and prevent waterborne diseases in the region. Educational materials, including interactive e-content such as videos, PowerPoint presentations, and quizzes, will be developed and tested to raise awareness, particularly among school children. These digital tools aim to improve knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to hygiene, sanitation, and safe water use.

Additionally, the project will support the installation of practical infrastructure such as multi-user handwashing stations, improved toilet facilities, and water tanks to enhance accessibility to clean water. Community outreach will also be a key strategy, with health professionals and local leaders facilitating awareness campaigns and promoting behavior change.

Looking Ahead with Optimism

While KOFIH leads this initiative with its technical expertise and institutional strength, the partnership remains inclusive. Busoga Health Forum will support coordination and community engagement. Makerere University will contribute its academic and evaluation capacity. Jinja Regional Referral Hospital will provide the clinical and public health backbone for the project. Each partner brings unique value, creating a strong foundation for meaningful impact.

The forum, whose motto revolves around “collective strength for sustainable change,” brings together residents and professionals originating from Nawanyingi to pool resources, ideas, and innovations to drive grassroots development. The formation of NIF is anchored in Uganda’s national development strategy, which emphasizes the importance of local resource mobilization and organized community associations for inclusive and sustainable development.

“We understand our problems better than anyone else, and we are best positioned to find solutions that are sustainable, rooted in our values, and owned by our people,” remarked Mr. Moses Kyangwa, CEO of Busoga Health Forum (BHF), which has been instrumental in supporting the inception of NIF. Mr. Kyangwa emphasized the urgency for communities to reduce reliance on external aid as international donors begin to withdraw from grassroots financing.

Aims and Objectives of NIF

Nawanyingi Investment Forum was established on the following foundational principles:

1. Pooling resources to enhance the socio-economic and cultural wellbeing of its members, their families, and the wider community.
2. Facilitating access to affordable resources to implement key social, economic, and cultural programs.
3. Establishing a NIF Investment Fund to finance community-driven development interventions.
4. Coordinating activities that promote the growth and empowerment of the Forum and its membership.
5. Encouraging member participation in individual and collective development initiatives, emphasizing self-reliance and inclusion.

In his remarks, Dr. Allan Katamba, Treasurer of NIF, highlighted the untapped potential within communities due to a lack of coordination. “Communities are sitting on significant wealth—land, skills, and human capital—but without systems to mobilize and invest these resources, they remain underutilized. This forum provides a platform for organizing and unlocking that potential,” he noted.

A Health-First Approach

NIF has prioritized malaria elimination as its first collective intervention—starting with a mass campaign involving testing, treatment, and indoor residual spraying, all financed through locally mobilized resources. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Uganda bears the third highest global malaria burden, accounting for 5% of global cases and 3% of deaths (2023). Nawanyingi, located in the malaria-endemic Busoga region, has committed to changing this narrative.

Institutional and Political Endorsement

The launch event attracted support from district and national leaders, signaling strong political will behind the initiative. Mr. Ezra Gabula, the LC5 Chairperson of Iganga District, lauded the Forum as a replicable model for other parishes in the district.

The Forum’s future programming will span health, education, trade, agriculture, and youth development. Its cross-sectoral strategy reflects a holistic development model, aligning with Uganda Vision 2040 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 1 (No Poverty), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Community Leadership and Legacy

Among the notable attendees was Dr. Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe, former Vice President of Uganda and currently a Senior Presidential Advisor on Health and Population. In her keynote address, she applauded the Nawanyingi community for taking ownership of their future:

The event was also graced by Prof. Paul Waako, Vice Chancellor of Busitema University, and Eng. Ziria Tibalwa Waako, CEO of the Electricity Regulatory Authority, both of whom are proud natives of Nawanyingi. Prof. Waako emphasized the importance of intellectual and professional diaspora engagement in rural development. “This forum connects us back to our roots, giving us a structured way to contribute meaningfully to our community’s advancement,” he noted.

Dr. Paul Waibale, representing the Board of Busoga Health Forum and a respected public health expert, emphasized the importance of building institutional memory and resilience at the community level. “The future of health and development lies in strong local systems that can plan, finance, and sustain their interventions. NIF is exactly that kind of system,” he said.

As the first of its kind in Iganga District, Nawanyingi Investment Forum stands as a pioneering initiative, merging vision, unity, and grassroots leadership to inspire similar models across Uganda.

The Busoga Health Forum (BHF) is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of communities in the Busoga region. Recognizing the critical link between Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and nutrition, BHF has initiated the WASH and Nutrition Project. This initiative aims to integrate WASH interventions with nutrition programs to combat malnutrition and improve overall health outcomes.​

The Interconnection Between WASH and Nutrition

Access to clean water, proper sanitation, and good hygiene practices are fundamental to preventing malnutrition. Contaminated water and poor sanitation can lead to diarrheal diseases and intestinal infections, which impair nutrient absorption and contribute to undernutrition. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), addressing WASH is essential for achieving global nutrition targets and improving child health .​

Project Objectives

• Improve Access to Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensure that communities have reliable access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities.​
• Promote Hygiene Education: Educate community members on effective hygiene practices, such as handwashing with soap, to reduce the incidence of WASH-related diseases.​
• Integrate WASH and Nutrition Interventions: Combine WASH initiatives with nutrition programs to address the underlying causes of malnutrition comprehensively.​
• Community Engagement: Involve local communities in the planning and implementation of WASH and nutrition activities to ensure sustainability and cultural relevance.​

Strategies for Integration

BHF employs a multisectoral approach, recognizing that sustainable improvements in nutrition require coordinated efforts across health, WASH, and agricultural sectors . Key strategies include:​

• Collaborative Planning: Engaging stakeholders from various sectors to design integrated programs that address both WASH and nutrition challenges.​
• Capacity Building: Training health workers and community volunteers on the interconnectedness of WASH and nutrition to enhance service delivery.​
• Behavior Change Communication: Developing targeted messages that promote both hygienic practices and nutritional awareness.​

Expected Outcomes

Through the WASH and Nutrition Project, BHF anticipates:​

• Reduced Incidence of WASH-Related Diseases: Lower rates of diarrheal diseases and infections, leading to improved nutrient absorption and better health.​
• Improved Nutritional Status: A decrease in malnutrition rates among children and vulnerable populations.​
• Enhanced Community Awareness: Greater understanding and practice of healthy WASH and nutrition behaviors within the community.​

Conclusion

Integrating WASH and nutrition interventions is vital for breaking the cycle of malnutrition and disease. BHF’s WASH and Nutrition Project exemplifies a holistic approach to community health, aligning with global efforts to achieve sustainable development goals related to health, water, and sanitation.

ETAT+ is a structured approach recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure that critically ill children receive immediate, life-saving interventions upon arrival at a healthcare facility. It focuses on triage, rapid assessment, and emergency treatment, ensuring that children with life-threatening conditions are prioritized and managed effectively.

By implementing ETAT+ principles, health workers can make quick and informed decisions that significantly improve survival rates, especially in resource-limited settings.

This training is part of our Child Thrive Project, an initiative aimed at improving the quality of pediatric care through better medical management and enhanced patient involvement. Beyond clinical skills, the training also emphasizes the importance of family-centered care, ensuring that parents and caregivers are engaged in the treatment process, leading to improved satisfaction and adherence to medical recommendations.

The project is funded by the Swedish International Centre for Local Democracy (ICLD)

Household air pollution (HAP) is responsible for 4 million deaths a year and is the largest environmental risk factor for disease globally. HAP Accounts for over half of childhood pneumonia deaths (one of the largest causes of death in children under 5 years) and second largest environmental risk of noncommunicable disease in women of developing countries (WHO 2016).

The government of Uganda has put in place initiatives and policies to aid and increase adoption to clean energy use and these include; National Integrated Clean Cooking Strategy (NICCS): where Uganda is working with various partners to promote cleaner cooking options including distribution of start up package/kit for LPG to the communities and evaluate if this will enable them to transition to cleaner fuels.

Electricity regulatory authority reduced domestic tariffs, the cost was reduced from Ush 796.4 in the fourth quarter of 2024 to now Ush 775.7 per unit for other domestic consumers so as to enable the public use electricity for cooking. This applies to customers who consume more than 100 units of electricity in a month as it is assumed that some will be used for cooking purposes. However, not everyone can afford to load 100units at ago, thus the public still finds electricity expensive.

The government has also promoted the production of clean cook stoves which produce less emissions and also improve efficiency, thus reducing health risks and environmental impact.

What is solid fuel energy

Solid fuel energy is the type of energy that is derived from burning solid materials like wood, coal and biomass. The examples include wood and charcoal. These give off emissions that are dangerous to the human body in different ways.

Results from house hold interviews

We conducted 10 household interviews in the urban center of Uganda (Kampala) and found out that 90% of the households were actually using at least one source of solid fuel, mainly charcoal.  80% of the participants used Gas (LPG) but this was more of an alternative but the main source of fuel use was charcoal.

The reasons for transitioning to clean energy included convenience, safety, time saving, while barriers for transitioning to clean energy included high costs, indicating that electricity and LPG are expensive, while some mentioned that solid fuel energy can be convenient when it comes to cooking for large families and tough meals that take long to get ready like meat as these would waste a lot of energy fuel if someone was to use LPG/electricity. None of the households transitioned due to health-related reasons.

I was privileged to interview a clean Air Africa (CAA) expert, Dr. Rebecca Nantanda who is a Paediatrician and research scientist from Makerere University lung institute. She is also a country PI for CAA. She noted that the mostly used energy fuel in Kampala is Charcoal, and that transitioning is probably less than 5% and that mostly people are transitioning to LPG because charcoal has become expensive in the country

However, there is need to find out if people are actually transitioning to clean energy or the clean energy fuel is actually being used as an alternative to prepare a few meals and the dominant fuel is actually the solid energy.

the public mainly transitions due to convenience and comfort, but as a company we do explain the dangers of using solid energy, including physical burns.

Masupa enterprises that deals in production of clean cook stoves holds trainings for the public so that people can be sensitized about use of the clean cook stoves and how to make briquettes from waste products, and these produce less emissions. Ms. Rebecca Namuyanja recounts that peoples’ mindset is key in accepting transition and many are resistant and prefer to use what they have been used to instead of transitioning to something new.

Dr. Rebecca Nantanda, re-echoes that,

The Speaker of the day was Counsel Primah Kwagala, a celebrated human rights lawyer and a proud daughter of Luuka District in Uganda’s Busoga Region. Primah serves as the Secretary to Busoga Health Forum Board and the Founding Executive Director of the Women’s Probono Initiative (WPI), an organization committed to creating a Uganda free from violence and discrimination against women and girls. Her advocacy has earned her multiple recognitions, including the EU Human Rights Defenders Award (2022) and the Peace and Reconciliation Laureate (2020), an honor bestowed by the French and German Embassies in Uganda.

Counsel Kwagala’s presentation provided an insightful perspective on citizens’ roles in upholding human rights, drawing from her personal experiences and professional expertise.

Redefining Human Rights: An African Perspective

Counsel Kwagala emphasized that “human rights are entitlements inherent to every person simply by virtue of being human.” While the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) outlined these entitlements from an individualistic perspective, Africa’s interpretation goes a step further. Referencing the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Kwagala explained:

In Africa, we exist as communities. “I am because we are,” quoting John Mbiti’s philosophy of Ubuntu.John Mbiti’s philosophy

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The African Charter prioritizes collective rights, recognizing that individuals are deeply intertwined with their communities. This stands in contrast to the UDHR’s focus on individual autonomy. Yet, as Kwagala highlighted, “individual rights—such as access to shelter, food, clean water, and healthcare—remain fundamental and must not be overlooked.”

She illustrated this through the challenges faced by marginalized communities like the Batwa in Kasese District in Western Uganda and the people of Karamoja in the northeast of the country. Despite government efforts to provide housing and infrastructure, cultural considerations were ignored—leaving these initiatives unsustainable. “Access, Availability, Affordability, and Quality (AAAQ) are critical aspects of human rights. Solutions must be culturally acceptable to truly address community needs,” she explained.

Citizens’ Role in Promoting Human Rights

Counsel Kwagala passionately reminded participants that human rights are everyone’s responsibility, regardless of leadership roles or social status. From heads of families to young professionals, every individual can contribute to protecting and promoting rights. She outlined practical steps citizens can take:

Stay Informed and Raise Awareness

Citizens must actively seek knowledge on human rights issues by listening to radio programs, reading news, attending village meetings, and participating in webinars like those hosted by BHF. Sharing accurate information via social media, writing letters to newspapers, and joining community discussions amplify awareness

Support Marginalized Communities

Volunteer with organizations that advocate for vulnerable groups, including women, children, refugees, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. Simple actions, like dedicating an hour to engage marginalized communities, can make a lasting impact.

Engage in Community Action

Civic participation is vital. Whether it’s cleaning village wells, joining peaceful rallies, or advocating for better healthcare services, collective efforts can drive significant change. Kwagala shared fond memories of her community in Waibuga, Luuka District, where every family contributed weekly to cleaning their water source.

Hold Leaders Accountable

Article 1 of Uganda’s Constitution affirms that power belongs to the people. Citizens must engage with their leaders, participate in elections, and demand accountability. Kwagala encouraged participants to vote for leaders who prioritize human rights and development.

Promote Positive Digital Citizenship

In an era of digital connectivity, citizens must use social media responsibly, sharing accurate, positive, and meaningful information while avoiding hate speech or divisive content.

“Every small action counts. Your voice matters,” Kwagala reminded the audience.@PrimahKwagala

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Support Human Rights Organizations

Donating resources, time, or skills to organizations working on human rights empowers them to continue their vital work. Professionals, especially health workers, have a unique responsibility to share information and contribute to civic education.

A Collective Effort Towards Positive Change

As the webinar drew to a close, Dorothy Akongo shared the importance of community-driven action in defending human rights. She applauded Counsel Primah Kwagala’s powerful insights, emphasizing that female leadership within Busoga Health Forum and beyond plays a important role in advocating for equality and justice.

“Human rights are not abstract concepts. They are lived realities that require our collective action, empathy, and persistence. Together, we can build communities where every person’s dignity is protected and respected,” Dorothy concluded.@AkongoDorothy

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Busoga Health Forum remains committed to fostering these conversations and inspiring action, empowering citizens to champion human rights locally and globally. As Counsel Kwagala aptly put it:

“Every small action counts. Let’s stay informed, engaged, and accountable—because positive change starts with us.” counsel Kwagala@PrimahKwagala

Rethinking Emergency care for children

Stories like this are becoming more common in Uganda, where the ETAT+ program is revolutionizing how healthcare workers respond to critically ill children. In many facilities, the race to save a life begins the moment a child walks through the door. According to the World Health Organization, most hospital deaths occur within the first 24 hours of admission. For Uganda’s children under five, these deaths are often due to preventable conditions such as severe dehydration, pneumonia, or sepsis. Unfortunately, overburdened and under-resourced healthcare systems often fail to act swiftly enough to prevent these tragedies.

This is where ETAT+ comes in. The program is built to support health workers in low-resource settings, like those in rural Uganda, by teaching them how to recognize children in critical need the moment they arrive. Instead of being overwhelmed by the flow of patients, healthcare providers are trained to triage—sorting children into categories: those with emergency signs, priority signs, and non-urgent cases. This fast, focused approach is saving lives.

According to health experts, early intervention is critical.

Equipping health workers to act quickly

In Uganda, where treatable infections account for the majority of child deaths, the ETAT+ program has emerged as a transformative solution. The Child Thrive Project, a partnership between Busoga Health Forum, Pediatric Health Initiative, Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, Astrid Lindgren’s Children’s Hospital, Jinja City, and Region Stockholm, with funding from the International Centre for Local Democracy (ICLD) focuses on improving the quality of care for children, both in terms of medical management and patient involvement and satisfaction of care as part of its broader mission. Alongside other projects such as Child Rights, Neonatology, and Neuropediatric, Pediatric Emergency CareETAT+ training in Busoga region has already equipped 121 health workers with the skills to swiftly recognize and respond to emergencies, significantly improving both the speed and quality of care for critically ill children.

A Nurse attending to children at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital. Photo by: Tatumwa Desmond Benjamin

Unlike traditional triage systems, ETAT+ adapts to its surroundings. Triage doesn’t only happen in designated areas within the hospital—it can start in the queue outside or even during outreach programs in remote villages. This flexibility ensures that the most vulnerable children are identified and treated as early as possible, before their conditions worsen. In a busy clinic with limited space, a bed or even a corner with room for staff to work is enough to start life-saving treatment.

“I can now identify emergency signs in children and start treatment immediately,” says Sr. Jessica Tagobera, a nurse trained through ETAT+ at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital. “This not only saves lives but also helps me work with less pressure, knowing the most critical cases are being handled first.”

The ripple effects of ETAT+ extend beyond the children who receive immediate care. By addressing emergencies first, health workers are able to prevent overcrowding and focus their energy where it’s most needed. Non-urgent cases are still treated, but without the chaotic rush that often overwhelms under-resourced facilities.

Challenges and the future of ETAT+ in Uganda

However, the program is not without challenges.

Hospitals and clinics still face shortages of oxygen, essential drugs, and adequate space. Additionally, health worker rotations mean new staff often arrive without ETAT+ training, slowing the system’s effectiveness.

Despite these hurdles, the impact of ETAT+ is undeniable. In rural and hard-to-reach areas, where access to quality healthcare has historically been a challenge, the program is expanding and leveling the playing field. Health workers are empowered with the skills to assess and treat emergency cases quickly, ensuring that all children regardless of where they live have a chance at survival.

ETAT+ is more than just a clinical tool, it’s a bridge toward health equity. As the program expands across Uganda, it promises to close the gap between urban and rural healthcare access, ensuring that every child, no matter how remote their location, can receive the emergency care they need.

As Dr. Tenywa reflects,

With the right investments in training and infrastructure, ETAT+ holds the potential to reshape emergency pediatric care across the country.