WHO Recognizes long serving staff in Uganda

Kampala-The World Health Organization (WHO) Uganda Country office has recognized seven members of staff in Uganda for dedicated service over the last 15 years. Those recognized are Dr. Edson Katushabe (Country Preparedness & IHR officer), Mr. Nasan Natseri (Data Manager), Dr. Emmanuel Tenywa (Polio eradication officer), Ms. Beatrice Kizza (Financial Clerk), Mr. Patrick Wokorach (Shipping Assistant), Dr. Kaggwa Mugagga (Technical Officer, HIV), and Dr. Charles Katureebe (Technical Officer, Malaria and NTDs).

The certificates of recognition were handed over to the staff members by Dr. Christine Musanhu Chiedza, WHO Uganda Representative OIC. She specially appreciated the staff loyalty and strong sense of belonging to WHO. 

“We applaud the determination and effort you have demonstrated so far and look forward to seeing  all the great things you will accomplish in the coming years,” said Dr. Musanhu.

Appreciation of staff is a valued tradition at WHO. Staff members are recognized for their level of service and commitment, upon completion of more than ten years of satisfactory service, by receiving a certificate. This tradition has re-energized them to continue serving diligently.

The respective staff shared their experience at WHO.

Most memorable achievement

Dr. Edson Katushabe 

I galvanized the polio infrastructure at community, health facility, district, region, and country levels to respond to several outbreaks including yellow fever, meningitis, cholera, Ebola virus disease and COVID-19, using the assets and lessons learned in polio eradication over the years.

Mr. Nasan Natseri

I feel fulfilled each time the sector successfully transitions from one revision of Health Management Information System (HMIS) tools to another. With each sector strategic plan, it is imperative that HMIS tools adequately capture data that will help monitor the implementation of the plan. This involves revision of the hard copy tools and subsequently electronic tools, including the District Health Information System 2 (DHIS2).

Ms. Beatrice Kizza

Working alongside colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds has been an immense honor and privilege. Each of my colleagues is a source of inspiration, and I have gained valuable insights and experiences during our collaborative efforts. The path has not always been easy, but the knowledge acquired and achievements along the way made it incredibly valuable. WHO Uganda colleagues have been family and we made fond and cherished memories that I will always treasure. 

Dr. Emmanuel Tenywa

I have been at the center of responding to several disease outbreak including Hepatitis E, Cholera, Marburg, and Ebola for the past 16 years. In all these we have ensured that the epidemics are controlled in the shortest possible time. 

During my field deployment in Northern Uganda in 2008, I noted with concern the clustering of reported cases of epilepsy from health facilities. There were also many children affected in the community than those seen in the health facilities. I was part of a multi-disciplinary team that conducted detailed research which pointed to onchocerciasis. Some of the research papers have just been published recently. 

Mr. Patrick Wokorach

Since 2015, my journey with WHO has been nothing short of extraordinary success and opportunities, marked by intense and impactful experiences on the frontlines of public health emergencies, providing operational support and logistics. Over the years,  I have been privileged to serve where the stakes are highest, preparing and responding to various health emergencies such as floods, cholera, Ebola, Marburg, Covid19 and many others.

During these outbreaks/disasters, I worked alongside dedicated teams to manage the logistical complexities, ensuring that critical supplies and resources reached the most affected communities. These experiences tested my skills and deepened my resolve to be part of a global effort to save lives.

Dr. Charles Katureebe

The 80% reduction of malaria prevalence in Uganda from 42% in 2009 to 9% in 2018 (MIS 2018) was captivating and encouraging and provided hope that malaria elimination is a possibility in the near future.

How you feel about being appreciated.

Dr. Edson Katushabe 

I feel happy and motivated that the organization has recognized my efforts of 10 years.

Mr. Nasan Natseri

It makes me feel that my efforts are acknowledged and endorsed, right from the highest echelon of my organization. It gives me confidence that moving forward, I have the support of my organization, in what I do, as I strive to support the country build strong health information systems, that will provide evidence for decision making 

Beatrice Kiiza

My colleagues and supervisors have been great encouragers. Their eyes for excellence have kept the bar high for the quality of work to deliver. I am in an exceptional way sincerely grateful for the growth opportunities extended to me, particularly, through the deployments to Sierra Leone and Kenya country offices, which built my international experience.  

Mr. Patrick Wokorach

The feeling that what I do directly impacts people’s lives and that my efforts are recognized motivates me to continue striving for excellence. I am fortunate to work with such wonderful colleagues who make this journey more meaningful.

Dr. Charles Katureebe

 I feel motivated, and  inspired, with an increased sense of belonging to WHO family and encouraged to continue serving humanity for a better tomorrow.

Dr. Emmanuel Tenywa

Am delighted to be recognized by WHO for the contribution I have made at individual, community, and global levels in disease control.