In 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) Uganda, with financial support from the Embassy of Belgium, made significant strides in strengthening coordination, policy dialogue, and collective action within Uganda’s health sector. Belgium’s contribution played a pivotal role in helping WHO convene a wide range of health partners around national priorities, ensuring alignment and coherence across the sector. WHO, serving as the permanent Co-chair and Secretariat of the Health Development Partners (HDP) Group, maintained effective coordination through monthly meetings and an annual retreat, which enhanced information sharing, reduced duplication of efforts, and promoted accountability.
Belgium’s support, delivered through Enabel and other partners, was crucial in strengthening health systems, particularly in the areas of sexual, reproductive, maternal, child, and adolescent health. It also helped build nursing capacity to improve access to essential services for vulnerable communities. Ambassador Hugues Chantry of Belgium emphasized the importance of supporting WHO’s role in partner coordination and policy dialogue, contributing to more effective decision-making and stronger national health systems.
WHO also focused on strengthening evidence-informed policy dialogue and inclusive decision-making processes. The organization facilitated national consultations that engaged government institutions, development partners, civil society, and community representatives, improving alignment among stakeholders and reducing fragmentation in the health sector. These efforts helped address critical health system challenges, including patient safety, quality of care, workforce planning, and sustainable health financing.
Dr. Kasonde Mwinga, WHO Representative to Uganda, highlighted that Belgium’s support enabled WHO to sustain platforms for coordination and alignment across Uganda’s health sector, promoting efficiency and equity. WHO’s technical guidance helped national decision-makers translate evidence into actionable policy directions, addressing urgent health system issues and improving overall performance.
With Belgium’s continued support, WHO’s efforts in convening stakeholders and strengthening evidence-based policymaking have contributed to greater coherence across Uganda’s health sector. WHO expressed deep gratitude to the Government of Belgium for its leadership in global health and its ongoing collaboration to ensure equitable access to healthcare for all Ugandans, especially the most vulnerable.
