Kampala, Uganda — Health experts and policymakers have called for urgent health system reforms, stronger partnerships and sustainable financing to protect essential services as international health funding to Uganda declines.
The call was made during the 1st KOFIH Health Forum 2025, convened by the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) Global Alumni Uganda Chapter in partnership with the KOFIH Uganda Office, held from December 10–12, 2025, at SKYZ Hotel, Naguru, under the theme “Turning Health Challenges into Opportunities for Change.”
Participants warned that Uganda’s health system faces mounting pressure from a dual burden of disease—persistent infectious illnesses such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV, alongside a rising incidence of non-communicable diseases including diabetes, hypertension and cancer.
The situation is compounded by an underdeveloped Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system, with experts noting that nearly 52 percent of deaths in Uganda are preventable with a functional emergency response system.
Discussions also focused on the impact of recent health financing reductions from the United States government and other major partners, including the Global Fund. The cuts have disrupted HIV, TB, malaria, maternal and child health programmes, supply chains, community health services and emergency preparedness, particularly at district and community levels.
Stakeholders at the forum emphasized the need for innovative financing, domestic resource mobilization, and cross-sector collaboration to safeguard health gains and ensure continuity of care amid shifting global funding priorities.
The forum brought together representatives from the Ministry of Health, World Health Organization, Uganda Cancer Institute, Baylor Uganda, Malteser International, civil society organisations, community health workers and development partners.
