ATWINE CALLS FOR UNIFIED ACTION AGAINST COMMUNICABLE AND NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Diana Atwine, has called for coordinated action across Government, academia, the private sector and communities to strengthen disease prevention, improve healthcare delivery and protect Uganda’s population. Speaking at the 20th Joint Annual Scientific Health Conference and 2nd Annual Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases Conference 2026 at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Dr Atwine said the conference provides an opportunity to use scientific research and evidence to shape policies and improve health services. She warned that climate change could contribute to the emergence and spread of infectious diseases, while Uganda’s ageing population is likely to increase the burden of non-communicable diseases. She called for stronger systems to prevent, detect and manage these conditions and reduce avoidable deaths. Dr Atwine emphasised that prevention must begin at household and community level. She urged stakeholders to prioritise proven interventions, including childhood immunisation, the hepatitis B birth dose, HIV prevention, malaria control, screening and early detection of diseases such as cancer, hypertension and diabetes. She also raised concern about growing resistance to medicines used to treat malaria, tuberculosis and HIV, calling for more investment in research and innovation to identify effective treatments and strengthen disease management. The Permanent Secretary urged Government institutions to direct more resources towards primary healthcare and community-level interventions, while intensifying public education on healthy lifestyles, nutrition, physical activity and routine medical check-ups. She also called for workplace wellness programmes and policies that promote healthier diets, reduce excessive salt intake and support early screening for conditions such as sickle cell disease. Dr Atwine stressed that tackling the country’s health challenges requires all sectors to align their plans and investments with national priorities. She identified research as a critical tool for determining which interventions deliver the greatest health benefits and economic returns. She concluded that a healthy population is essential to productivity and Uganda’s Tenfold Growth ambition, urging participants to turn the conference’s scientific findings into practical policies, funded interventions and everyday action that improves the health and well-being of Ugandans. @DianaAtwine #OpenGovUg