NHLDS Hosts Members of Parliament
28/03/2025: Kampala.
The National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services (NHLDS) hosted a delegation of Members of Parliament on the Parliamentary forum on AMR as part of their oversight role.
The visit aimed to assess the status of AMR surveillance in Uganda as well as the national Laboratory and diagnostic services capacity in implementing AMR surveillance and control measures. The discussions also highlighted progress and challenges faced in implementing strategies to curb the growing threat of AMR in Uganda.
During the visit, the MPs engaged with NHLDS officials to understand the current state of AMR surveillance and response mechanisms. The discussions also highlighted the critical role of NHLDS in monitoring resistance patterns and informing policy decisions aimed at curbing the misuse of antimicrobials.
The team was led by Hon. Dr. Nicholas Kamara and was warmly received by NHLDS leadership and technical teams led by the Commissioner, Dr. Susan Nabadda. During the visit, the MPs engaged with technical staff, including laboratory scientists, microbiologists, and the management of NHLDS, to gain insights into ongoing efforts to strengthen laboratory systems and diagnostic capacity. They also toured various laboratory sections.
In her welcome remarks, Dr. Susan Nabadda emphasized the critical role of laboratory systems in fighting AMR. She highlighted the importance of accurate and timely diagnostics in guiding treatment decisions and preventing the spread of resistant infections.
“We are honoured to host the Parliamentary delegation today as part of your oversight mandate. We are committed to building resilient health systems that can rapidly detect and respond to resistant infections. However, we require continuous support from policymakers and stakeholders to ensure sustainable progress and safeguard public health,” Dr. Susan stated.
The MPs acknowledged the efforts made by NHLDS in setting up advanced diagnostic and surveillance systems. They commended the staff for their dedication and reiterated their commitment to advocating for increased funding and support to enhance laboratory capacity and sustain AMR interventions. They stressed the need for continued investment in diagnostic infrastructure and capacity building.
“We recognize the critical role that laboratories like NHLDS play in safeguarding the health of Ugandans. As Parliament, we will continue to advocate for adequate resources to strengthen diagnostic services and AMR surveillance,” Dr. Kamara remarked.
The visit also provided an opportunity for open dialogue on the challenges faced in implementing AMR strategies, including gaps in funding, infrastructure, and human resource capacity. The MPs pledged to engage with relevant stakeholders to address these challenges and support initiatives aimed at combating AMR.
About AMR:
AMR remains a critical public health concern globally, and in Uganda. It occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and become resistant to antimicrobial agents, including antibiotics. This resistance makes infections harder to treat, leading to prolonged illness, disability, and even death.
The visit also shed light on alarming trends in antibiotic prescription practices. Findings revealed that, on average, two antibiotics were prescribed per patient, with 64% of patients receiving antibiotics at every medical encounter. Notably, only 40% of these prescriptions adhered to treatment guidelines, and a mere 1% were based on culture and sensitivity results. These statistics revealed the urgent need for improved prescription practices to mitigate the development of resistance.
Amidst these challenges, NHLDS has been implementing strategies outlined in the National Action Plan on AMR. These include promoting public health awareness, optimizing antimicrobial use, enhancing infection prevention and control, and strengthening surveillance to generate evidence-based interventions.
