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MoH Permanent Secretary Recognizes Key Contributors to the Laboratory sector

/ 28 September 2023 / 0 Comments

Kampala- 28th September, 2023.

Dr. Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health (MoH), has acknowledged the pivotal role played by key individuals in propelling the growth of Uganda's National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services.

Her recognition of these contributors came during her address at the Laboratory Sector Performance Review meeting held at Hotel Africana.

In her speech, Dr. Atwine expressed her congratulations for the remarkable milestones achieved in the laboratory sector, as presented by Commissioner Dr. Susan.

"The sector is making significant strides, and I would like to recognize those who have contributed to the history of the lab sector," Dr. Diana stated.

The individuals recognized for their exceptional contributions to the laboratory sector included:

  1. Prof. Ponsiano Kaleebu - Executive Director, UVRI

  2. Dr. Susan Nabadda - Commissioner, NHLDS

  3. Dr. Isaac Ssewanyana - Director of Laboratory Services

  4. Prof. Moses Joloba – Microbiologist

  5. Dr. Saudah Namubiru - AMR Specialist

"I want to humbly appreciate these individuals who have exceptionally contributed to the current capacity of our country's laboratory services. We acknowledge you and your teams for the heroic efforts towards advancing our laboratories to meet international standards. Diagnostic services serve as the engine that drives service delivery in the health sector. In addition to substantial infrastructural growth, training and capacity building are areas where we should focus more effort," she added.

During the meeting, the Permanent Secretary also officially launched new guidelines, including:

  • DNA Paternity Testing Guidelines

  • Biosafety Audit Report 2022

  • Infrastructure Guidelines

  • COVID-19 Testing Guidelines

  • Public Health and Preparedness

"We are not only expanding in terms of quality but also in the number of specializations within the lab sector. We will witness the emergence of super specializations. While government funding has increased to 50 billion shillings, we recognize the need for further increments, as the sector's funding requirement stands at 320 billion annually," she explained.

Dr. Diana Atwine's recognition and commitment to the advancement of health laboratory services highlight the sector's crucial role in enhancing healthcare delivery and overall public health in Uganda.