The Ugandan Ministry of Health has today received an ambulance worth USD 47,378.48, equivalent to UGX 178,598,866, to support prehospital care in Karamoja sub region. The ambulance was donated by the Embassy of Ireland in Uganda, through World Health Organization, as part of their health partnership towards the regionalized Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system.

Karamoja has over 1.2 million inhabitants, predominantly nomadic pastoralists. The region faces a high burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, acute malnutrition coupled with poverty, and a higher mortality rate. It is served by only 126 health facilities, not all fully equipped to meet the population's health needs. The Type B Land Cruiser Ambulance donated today is ready to facilitate patient transportation and referrals within the Karamoja region.

During the handover ceremony, Dr. Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary of the Uganda’s Ministry of Health, welcomed the support of WHO and Embassy of Ireland, which will contribute to preventing morbidity and mortality in the country. “This ambulance will be stationed in Abim Hospital and will contribute to reducing deaths due to emergency illnesses and injuries in the Karamoja region,” she said.

Echoing the same appreciation, Dr. Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam, the WHO Representative to Uganda, said that “the provision of this ambulance is in line with WHO’s vision to improve the country’s health system to meet the needs of its population.” He further expressed gratitude for the partnership with the Republic of Ireland, Embassy of Ireland, and the Ugandan government. 

Dr Diarmuid McClean, the Development Specialist in Uganda, reiterated his government’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s health sector, noting, “as Ireland celebrates 30 years in Uganda, we remained committed to reaching the furthest behind first. We recognize that access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, so this modest ambulance contribution is geared towards supporting the Ugandan government in achieving the goal of universal health coverage.” 

The ambulance was procured as part of the project on Emergency Health Assistance for COVID-19 Response and Vaccination in Uganda. Funded by Embassy of Ireland, it aimed to reduce morbidity and mortality attributed to health emergencies among vulnerable and high-risk populations. Emphasis was placed on improving the efficiency of the emergency transfer of critical cases from home care to larger facilities in Karamoja, Acholi, Lango and Teso regions.

Further support by WHO and partners in the region includes providing medical equipment and capacity building for health workers on Tuberculosis (TB) preventive measures, proper TB laboratory testing in line with WHO recommendations, and the management of acute malnutrition.