Uganda, U.S. launch Joint Health Steering Committee to oversee $2.3 billion medical partnership
The MOU covers a broad range of health priorities that continue to place a heavy burden on Uganda's population. Uganda remains one of the countries most affected by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa, while malaria and tuberculosis continue to claim thousands of lives annually.
Representatives of the Governments of Uganda and the United States on Friday held the first meeting of a newly established Joint Health Steering Committee (JHSC), marking a significant milestone in the two countries’ growing health cooperation.
The committee was formed to oversee the implementation of a five-year, $2.3 billion Health Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was signed in December 2025, one of the largest bilateral health agreements in Uganda’s history.
The JHSC is co-chaired by the U.S. Embassy Uganda and Uganda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, bringing together senior officials from both governments to provide strategic direction and accountability for the partnership.
“This is a historic milestone,” the U.S. Embassy Uganda said in a statement, describing the launch as a turning point in the two nations’ shared commitment to improving public health outcomes.
In the first year alone, $410 million is expected to be disbursed, with funding channelled toward combating HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, as well as strengthening Uganda’s broader health system resilience.
The JHSC will formally oversee the MOU Implementation Plan once it is endorsed by both parties. Officials from both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the partnership, which has been framed within the principles of the Trump Administration’s America First Global Health Strategy, an approach that emphasises results-driven, country-led health investments.
Minister Aceng, who has long been at the centre of Uganda’s public health agenda, is expected to play a lead role in coordinating the Ugandan government’s obligations under the agreement, including ensuring that funds are directed to priority health programmes across the country.
The MOU covers a broad range of health priorities that continue to place a heavy burden on Uganda’s population. Uganda remains one of the countries most affected by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa, while malaria and tuberculosis continue to claim thousands of lives annually.
Health experts and civil society observers have welcomed the formation of the JHSC, noting that a structured oversight mechanism is critical to ensuring that the billions of dollars pledged translate into measurable improvements in health services for ordinary Ugandans.
Both governments said they look forward to the committee meeting regularly to review progress, resolve implementation challenges, and keep the partnership on track throughout the five-year period.
