BIG BOOST FOR HEALTH SECTOR: Uganda secures $25M Pandemic Fund grant as Minister Baryomunsi, Dr Kyobe get top Africa CDC roles

What the report says

Uganda has secured a $25 million grant from the international Pandemic Fund to support the health sector, according to an announcement by Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo in Kampala. Watchdog Uganda reported that the funding update was delivered during a high-level briefing chaired by Alupo on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni and communicated by Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya.

The report says the same meeting also confirmed new continental roles for two Ugandan doctors. Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi is set to join the Africa CDC Governing Board as a member and chair, while Dr. Henry Kyobe Bosa has been appointed Africa CDC Director for Uganda. The article describes Dr. Kyobe as an epidemiologist with experience in Uganda’s Ebola and COVID-19 response efforts.

Watchdog Uganda said the grant is expected to help strengthen outbreak detection, laboratory capacity and support for frontline health workers. The publication tied the development to Uganda’s wider public health preparedness efforts after recent disease outbreaks, including Ebola. It also noted that Africa CDC’s role as a Pandemic Fund implementing entity could help speed up delivery of financing to national projects. Further implementation details and disbursement plans were said to be expected from the Ministry of Health and Africa CDC in the coming weeks.