Kampala, Uganda– The fifth edition of the Heroes in Health Awards (HIHA) recognized and celebrated individuals and institutions making exceptional contributions to Uganda’s health sector. Building on the success of the previous four editions of the awards, the theme this year was “Health Workforce Financing to Achieve Universal Health Coverage”. This year’s awards emphasized the critical need for strategic investment in health workers to ensure equitable and quality healthcare for all.

One of the highlights of the event was the special recognition awarded to World Health Organization Uganda for its unwavering commitment to strengthening Uganda’s healthcare system. The certificate, presented to Dr Charles Njuguna, Acting WHO Country Representative in Uganda, acknowledged WHO’s exceptional contributions and steadfast partnership in making the 2024 HIHA Awards a success.

Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, Uganda’s Minister of Health, commended WHO Uganda for its dedication. “WHO has been a beacon of excellence and partnership in our health sector. Their commitment inspires us to push boundaries in achieving sustainable health outcomes,” she said.

The event took place amidst growing discourse on health workforce financing as a cornerstone of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Despite significant strides, Uganda continues to face challenges in addressing critical health worker shortages, particularly in rural and underserved areas. According to WHO’s latest findings, Uganda’s health workforce density stands at 25.9 health workers per 10,000 people, significantly below the 44.5 required to meet UHC targets.

Dr Charles Njuguna underscored the importance of investments in the health workforce. “Our health workforce is the backbone of our healthcare system. By prioritizing financing, we can strengthen their capacity to deliver equitable and quality care across all regions,” he stated.

The Heroes in Health Awards have evolved into a platform that celebrates outstanding contributions to Uganda’s health sector. This year’s awards featured expanded categories, including the Mental Health Champion Award, the Diaspora Merit Award, and the Excellence in Health Academia Award. These additions reflect the growing recognition of diverse contributions to health innovation, education, and community well-being.

WHO Uganda’s recognition highlighted its pivotal role in supporting the Ministry of Health and various stakeholders. From technical assistance to policy development, WHO has immensely contributed to the work at the nexus of human resources for health and health financing. The inscription on the certificate of recognition emphasized WHO’s contributions: “Your steadfast dedication, support, and exceptional contributions have elevated the Heroes in Health Awards to new heights, enabling us to honour and celebrate outstanding individuals and institutions in the healthcare field.”

Dr Njuguna pledged ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other partners, stating, “Our partnership with Uganda remains steadfast. Together, we will continue advancing innovative solutions to overcome health challenges and create lasting impact.”

As Uganda forges ahead on its journey toward UHC, the recognition of partners like WHO underscores the power of collaboration in building a resilient and inclusive health system. The Heroes in Health Awards continue to serve as a potent reminder that investing in health workforce financing is not only a moral imperative but also a pathway to a healthier and more equitable Uganda.