Uganda Launches National Wellness Laboratories
Kampala, Uganda – 28th May, 2025.
The Ministry of health through Department of National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services (NHLDS) has launched the National Wellness Laboratories, in a move to strengthen preventive health care.
The launch was during the opening ceremony of the 3rd Africa Test and Treat Initiative Conference held at Silver Springs Hotel in Kampala. The launch was presided over by Hon. Dr. Victoria Nekesa, UPDF Representative in Parliament, who emphasized the importance of early detection and wellness driven health systems in addressing the growing burden of cancers and non-communicable diseases in Uganda.
“As a Member of Parliament on the health committee, I have observed that allocations to the laboratory sector have been increasing steadily each year, especially in support of diagnostics. We are also seeing a positive shift in accessibility, with services expanding beyond central facilities to reach primary health centres thus bringing healthcare closer to the people. The establishment of National Wellness Labs is a welcome development, as they encourage individuals to proactively take stock of their health and well-being.”, Hon. Dr. Victoria Nekesa.
Dr. Nekesa was joined by Dr. Charles Olaro, Director of General Health Services at the Ministry of Health, and Dr. Susan Nabadda, Executive Director of the National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services (NHLDS), both of whom echoed the urgency of scaling up access to high-quality, affordable diagnostic services across the country.
“The cost of treating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Uganda remains high, with an annual government expenditure of UGX 5.3 billion, accounting for 4.1% of the country’s GDP. Early screening and diagnosis lead to better outcomes and give patients more treatment options. NCDs including cancer and cardiovascular diseases have become public health emergencies. Emerging research shows the type 5 diabetes affecting lean and malnourished people, it is of interest to screen early and address NCDs and reduce risks,” Dr. Charles Olaro.
Wellness Laboratories refers to a type of medical or clinical laboratories that focus on providing a range of diagnostic testing services, with a particular emphasis on health and wellness to assess overall health and identify potential risks. These labs offer various tests, including blood work, molecular and genetic testing, and more specialized examinations.
The National Wellness Laboratories aim to provide routine health screening services including cancer screening, cardiovascular and metabolic risk assessment, HIV and STI testing, and general health monitoring. This initiative aligns with Uganda’s broader public health strategy of investing in early diagnosis, health promotion, and community-based wellness interventions.
The conference was attended by health experts from across Africa. With this initiative, Uganda becomes the lead in proactive public health and the Wellness Labs initiative is expected to serve as a regional benchmark, encouraging other African nations to adopt similar innovations in diagnostics and health promotion signalling a shift from treatment focused systems to preventive and personalized care.
