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Antimicrobial resistance remains a growing concern in the management of infectious diseases, with new research highlighting its potential role in predicting severe community-acquired pneumonia. #JASH2026 #NACNCDC2026 #UnifiedAction Presenting at the 20th Joint Annual Scientific Health Conference (JASH2026), Professor William Borotier shared findings from a Ugandan study examining molecular diagnostics and predictors of severe community-acquired pneumonia. The research found that patients with certain antimicrobial resistance genes had approximately twice the odds of developing severe community-acquired pneumonia. The BioFire platform also detected resistance genes among participants, raising important questions about the implications of antimicrobial resistance for patient outcomes. Professor Borotier emphasised that resistance genes should not be used as a standalone tool for diagnosing severe pneumonia. However, when considered alongside clinical parameters, they could help improve the identification of patients at risk of severe illness. He also noted that the findings were generated from referral hospitals and may not necessarily be generalisable to other healthcare settings. Nevertheless, they provide an important signal for further investigation into the relationship between microbial resistance and severe pneumonia. The findings reinforce the need for stronger antimicrobial resistance surveillance, improved diagnostic capacity and further research to inform clinical practice and patient management in Uganda. The message is clear: understanding antimicrobial resistance is essential not only for guiding treatment, but also for improving how we identify and respond to patients at risk of severe disease.

We’re kicking off the final day of the 20th Joint Annual Scientific Health Conference (JASH), the 2nd National Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases Conference, and the 34th UNACOH Annual Conference.#JASH2026 #NACNCDC2026 After two days of insightful discussions, research presentations and knowledge exchange, we enter the final day with a shared commitment to turning evidence, innovation and collaboration into meaningful action. Today, we continue building on the theme “Unified Action Against Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases” as health leaders, researchers, policymakers and partners work towards stronger health systems and better health outcomes for all. One final day. More ideas, stronger partnerships and a shared vision for a healthier Uganda.

Day 2 brought more insightful discussions, research presentations and knowledge sharing as health leaders, researchers, policymakers and partners explored practical approaches to tackling communicable and non-communicable diseases. #JASH2026 #NACNCDC2026 From integrated healthcare and screening to sustainable health financing and stronger health systems, the conversations reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation and evidence-driven action. Watch the highlights and relive the moments from Day 2!

Day 1 of the 20th Joint Annual Scientific Health Conference (JASH), the 2nd National Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases Conference, and the 34th UNACOH Annual Conference brought together health leaders, policymakers, researchers, healthcare professionals and partners to reflect on Uganda’s health priorities and explore solutions to pressing public health challenges.#JASH2026 #NACNCDC2026 #UnifiedAction Under the theme “Unified Action Against Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases,” discussions highlighted the importance of prevention and early detection, stronger primary healthcare, sustainable health financing, research-driven policies, and collaborative action to improve health outcomes for all. From insightful presentations to meaningful exchanges, Day 1 reinforced a shared commitment to building a stronger, more resilient health system for Uganda.

“We can do better. Let us come together as a country.” At the #JASH2026 and #NACNCDC2026 conference, Kenneth called for greater flexibility from development partners to support integrated health programmes, particularly for communities affected by hepatitis. He highlighted the inequalities created when funding is restricted to specific programmes, yet existing health systems and support structures could also benefit people living with other conditions. He urged partners to consider more inclusive funding approaches that respond to interconnected health needs. Drawing on the lived experiences of people affected by hepatitis, he emphasised the determination of community-led organisations that continue their work despite limited resources. He also shared the difficult choices families face when seeking medical assessments and treatment, sometimes having to sell land to access care. His message was clear: healthcare should not place unbearable financial burdens on families, and no community should be left behind because of funding gaps. Stronger collaboration, flexible financing and greater support for community-led organisations are essential to advancing equitable access to healthcare.

Research must go beyond academic publications to inform policies, guide investments and deliver practical solutions to the health challenges affecting communities across Uganda. #JASH2026 #NACNCDC2026 #UnifiedAction This was a key message from the Minister of Health, Dr. @CHRISBARYOMUNS1, during the official opening of the 2nd National Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases Conference, held alongside the 20th JASH Conference and the 34th UNACOH annual conference. Addressing researchers, academics, healthcare practitioners and policymakers, Dr. Baryomunsi emphasised that Uganda faces a double burden of disease, with communicable diseases continuing to affect communities while non-communicable diseases, including cancer, hypertension, diabetes and kidney disease, place increasing demands on healthcare services. He called for greater investment in prevention and early detection, highlighting the need to strengthen routine childhood immunisation, expand screening services and identify conditions before they progress to serious complications. The Minister also stressed the importance of integrated, people-centred healthcare, where patients receive coordinated support for multiple conditions rather than navigating fragmented, disease-specific services. At the community level, he underscored the role of Community Health Extension Workers and Village Health Teams in promoting health education, supporting prevention and strengthening the connection between households and health facilities. Dr. Baryomunsi further called for stronger health information systems, reliable medicine supplies, sustainable financing and regional collaboration to improve disease surveillance and preparedness for emerging outbreaks. He challenged researchers and academic institutions to ensure that the evidence they generate reaches decision-makers, including Parliament, Cabinet and government agencies, where it can inform legislation, national plans, work programmes and budget allocations. He noted that a strong research agenda should help answer critical questions: Which interventions deliver the greatest impact? Where should limited resources be invested? How can health services be improved to ensure that all Ugandans, regardless of their socioeconomic status, can access quality care? The Minister also emphasised that health outcomes are shaped by factors beyond the health sector. Education, nutrition, physical environments, transport and other social determinants require coordinated action across government and society. The call to researchers is clear: generate evidence that addresses Uganda's priorities, communicate findings to policymakers and help turn scientific knowledge into measurable improvements in healthcare. As the conference brings together stakeholders from across the health sector, the focus remains on unified action, stronger research and investments that improve prevention, early diagnosis and access to quality healthcare for every Ugandan.