A new report titled “Refugee and Migrant Health System Review: Challenges and Opportunities for Long-Term Health System Strengthening in Uganda” was launched on October 15 by Uganda’s Ministry of Health in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). The report underscores the urgent need to enhance Uganda’s healthcare system to better serve refugee and migrant populations.
As Africa’s largest host of refugees, Uganda accommodates over 1.6 million individuals, primarily in refugee settlements in northern and southwestern regions, as well as in Kampala City. “To ensure that Uganda has a strong health system able to meet the needs of its entire population, it is crucial to further improve existing policies and strategies that grant migrants equitable access to health services,” stated Uganda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng.
The report is based on a comprehensive review of the health systems for refugees and migrants, conducted by WHO and the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and UNICEF. It presents several strategic recommendations to enhance health services for displaced populations and their host communities.
Key recommendations include:
- Strengthening Health Worker Capacities: Improving training and skills among health professionals to address the complex needs of refugees and migrants.
- Expanding Access to Medical Resources: Ensuring the availability of essential medicines and services in regions hosting refugees.
- Boosting Coordination Among Stakeholders: Enhancing collaboration among government bodies, international organizations, and local health institutions.
The report also emphasizes the importance of integrating refugees into the health system and addressing the needs of both migrants and host communities. Additional suggestions include developing new funding strategies, creating a comprehensive health insurance system, and enhancing collaboration with other ministries to tackle broader health determinants.
These efforts aim to create a more resilient and inclusive health system that effectively serves refugees, migrants, and host communities, while ensuring long-term sustainability. Dr. Santino Severoni, WHO’s Director of Health and Migration, remarked, “Uganda’s leadership in integrating refugees and migrants into the health system is a model of solidarity in action, ensuring access to essential health services for all.”
The launch event featured key stakeholders from the Ugandan government, UN agencies, donors, and other partners to discuss the findings and emphasize collaborative efforts to enhance health service delivery in Uganda. Dr. Moeti Matshidiso, WHO Regional Director for Africa, encouraged countries to harness the skills of migrants and refugees to improve service delivery.
Efforts to strengthen the health system and implement the recommended actions are already in progress. In February 2024, UNHCR and WHO signed a Letter of Understanding to bolster their collaboration in enhancing health services for migrants, refugees, and host communities. This agreement coincided with the launch of the Uganda Health System Review Report.
Mr. Matthew Crentsil, UNHCR Uganda Country Representative, stated, “This partnership aims to reinforce the rights and health of people forced to flee their countries while supporting Uganda’s efforts to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
