Uganda, United States discuss strengthening health cooperation and funding transparency
The discussions centred on consolidating and effectively utilizing health sector resources in line with the Development Objectives Assistance Agreement (DOAG).
Uganda and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, with a focus on health financing, transparency and improving health outcomes.
The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Henry Musasizi, on Monday met the United States Chargé d’Affaires to Uganda, H.E. Mikael Cleverley, at his office in Kampala, where they discussed ways of deepening cooperation between the two countries.
The discussions centred on consolidating and effectively utilizing health sector resources in line with the Development Objectives Assistance Agreement (DOAG).
Musasizi appreciated the long-standing support from the US Government, particularly in the health sector, and welcomed increased visibility of funds received by government and development partners to ensure transparency and accountability.
The Minister also highlighted Uganda’s success in containing Ebola, urging the US mission to share the country’s achievements globally and support efforts to lift travel restrictions that have affected trade, tourism and investment.
The two countries recently signed a five-year, $2.3 billion bilateral health cooperation memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening Uganda’s health system, with the United States committing up to $1.7 billion towards priority health programmes.
Cleverley, who was accompanied by US health officials including Public Health Advisor Jessica Healey and PEPFAR Country Coordinator Mary Borgman, praised the cordial relationship between Uganda and the US.
He said American health funding will focus on key areas including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, disease surveillance, and maternal and child health.
The US Chargé d’Affaires added that the proposed Strategic Objective Agreement (SOAG) will provide a clearer legal and programmatic framework for government-to-government cooperation in the health sector.
Cleverley also commended Uganda’s management of the Ebola outbreak, saying the country’s response efforts would contribute to discussions on lifting existing travel restrictions.
