Uganda NCDI Poverty Commission launches report at World Health Summit Regional Meeting

The Uganda NCDI Poverty Commission launched its final report at a session within the World Health Summit Regional Meeting for Africa in Kampala on June 28.

The one-hour virtual event was opened by Commission Co-Chairs Dr. Gerald Mutungi (who served as moderator) and Dr. Isaac Ssinyabulya. Drs. Mutungi and Ssinyabulya both commended the Commission for its work and emphasized the need to focus increased attention and resources on addressing NCDIs nationally, particularly amidst the latest wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda and across the African Region.

Participants then heard an in-depth presentation by Dr. Ann Akiteng, Commission Coordinator. Dr. Akiteng highlighted key findings from the Commission report, including evidence that the burden of NCDIs in Uganda comes from a diverse group of conditions and disproportionately impacts the poor at young ages.

Following Dr. Akiteng’s presentation, Dr. David Okello highlighted the implications of the Commission report, and how this work can be applied to national policy moving forward. 

Dr. Mutungi closed the meeting by officially “launching” the report. The Commission plans to host a larger, in-person launch event in the coming months.