Ministry of Health and partners map out plan to strengthen Uganda's healthcare workforce. Ministry of Health - Uganda > news > events > Ministry of Health and partners map out plan to strengthen Uganda's healthcare workforce. 14th May 2026, Mbale - While Uganda's health workforce exists on record, in practice, the country is still navigating how to make them work effectively for both the healthcare system and the patients who depend on it. This brought together the Ministry of Health, through the Department of Institutional and Human Resources for Health Development alongside partners including Seed Global Health, Jhpiego Uganda, and the Infectious Diseases Institute at the Mbale Training Institute. The goal is straightforward on paper but harder in practice: develop a comprehensive work plan that will guide the implementation of departmental activities and strengthen health service delivery across the country. But before anyone could talk solutions, they had to reckon with the full picture of what isn't working. For Dr. Alfred Driwale, the Commissioner overseeing the Department, the discussion comes down to a simple but difficult question. "In fulfilling our mandate on institutional development, health systems and workforce development, we must ask ourselves: where are the gaps, and what interventions are needed to improve performance?" The WHO's 2026 State of the Health Workforce in Africa report, which participants referenced during the engagement, frames Uganda's challenges within a broader continental reckoning. The Africa Health Workforce Investment Charter calls for moving away from fragmented, reactive approaches toward strategies that are integrated, sustainable, and equity-driven. Uganda is trying to answer that call but the ground-level realities make it a steep climb. At public health facilities, staffing levels stand at just 39% of what is needed. The country's health worker density is 25.9 per 10,000 people, against an international benchmark of 44.5. Absenteeism runs at 40%. Patient satisfaction at regional and national referral hospitals hovers at only 50%, a figure that climbs to 61% at general government facilities, which is still far from where it needs to be. "If this department gets its work wrong, everything else is affected," said Dr. Driwale. "It deals with health systems, institutions, and workers, the very foundation required for service delivery." It is precisely these realities that make the Mbale engagement more than a routine planning meeting. The work plan being developed is designed to align staff and partners on key priorities, review ongoing interventions, and establish clear timelines, responsibilities, and monitoring mechanisms, the kind that lays the foundation that helps plans translate from discussion to implementation. Key deliverables include finalized frameworks for staff capacity building and mentorship, and improved operational procedures to support the effective rollout and use of e-learning platforms. By Priscilla Basemera

NurturePH forum calls for stronger alignment to improve maternal, newborn health in Universal Health Care Era. by Geri Matthew Carretero, Jhpiego Philippines MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines - Maternal health outcomes in the Philippines have improved in recent years, with the maternal mortality ratio declining from 151 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020 to 119 in 2024, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. Despite this progress, the country remains far from the Sustainable Development Goal target of fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. Neonatal mortality has also seen limited improvement, pointing to persistent gaps in care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the immediate postnatal period. Across the country, multiple organizations have implemented programs aimed at improving maternal and newborn health. However, these efforts often remain fragmented across different levels of the health system. In celebration of Women's Month, the call for greater coordination was central to the recently held forum NurturePH: A National Dialogue on Maternal and Newborn Health in the UHC Era, co-organized by the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, Unilab Foundation, and Jhpiego. As the Philippines moves toward full implementation of Universal Health Care, speakers said stronger alignment in policy, financing, and service delivery is needed to ensure timely, high-quality, and equitable care for all women and newborns. The forum brought together more than 100 stakeholders from professional societies, international development organizations, local government units, national agencies, and health facilities. Participants discussed policy directions and program priorities of the Department of Health and PhilHealth, while sharing ongoing initiatives and good practices from across the country. Department of Health Undersecretary Dr. Gloria J. Balboa delivers the keynote address at the NurturePH forum. In her keynote message, Department of Health Undersecretary Dr. Gloria J. Balboa emphasized the importance of collaboration and community engagement. "When communities are informed and empowered, better health outcomes follow," she said, highlighting the need to involve women, families, and communities in their care. The forum also underscored the value of multisectoral partnerships. One example is the collaboration among the Korea International Cooperation Agency, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations Population Fund, working with the Department of Health and local governments in Eastern Visayas to improve sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Dr. Grace Viola of UNFPA emphasized the need to address systemic barriers. "To improve outcomes, we must address the 'Three Delays': delays in seeking, reaching, and receiving quality care," she said. United Nations Population Fund representative Dr. Grace Viola speaks during the NurturePH forum on maternal and newborn health. Promising local practices were also highlighted, including culturally sensitive maternal care initiatives in MIMAROPA and efforts in Ozamiz City to address adolescent pregnancy while supporting continued access to education and health services. A joint presentation by Dr. Christia Padolina of the Asia and Oceania Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Dr. Esterlita Uy of the Philippine Society of Newborn Medicine highlighted the importance of the first 1,000 days of life, from pregnancy through a child's second birthday, in shaping long-term health outcomes. They said sustained investments during this period, and extending care up to the first 2,000 days, can significantly improve survival, growth and development. During the event, Jhpiego, the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society and Unilab Foundation signed a memorandum of agreement to strengthen collaboration in advancing maternal and newborn health. The partnership will focus on improving coordination, building health worker capacity, promoting evidence-based interventions, and strengthening integrated service delivery in line with Universal Health Care goals. Representatives of Jhpiego, the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society and Unilab Foundation pose after signing a memorandum of agreement during the NurturePH forum. As the Philippines continues its journey toward Universal Health Care, NurturePH reinforced a shared vision of ensuring that every mother and every newborn has access to quality, respectful, and life-saving care. Photo credit: Powered by Denmen Photography Geri Matthew Carretero Communication and Knowledge Management Officer Jhpiego Philippines Member, Press Photographers of the Philippines (PPP) C: +63917 6216901

Sheela Murthy Champion for Women Award - Dr. Leslie Mancuso, JHPIEGO. 18 Mar 2026 I'm joining Jhpiego today for the annual Laughter Is the Best Medicine Gala to celebrate the leaders who are helping improve health for women and families around the world. This year Octahedron Llc is honoring incredible change-makers including Soledad O'Brien and Brad Raymond, Monique and Melvin Rodriguez, and Caroline Roan. I am honored to celebrate the remarkable leadership of Dr. Leslie Mancuso as she retires after 25 years guiding Jhpiego with the inaugural Sheela Murthy Champion for Women Award. Hosted by comedian Tom Papa, Global Ambassador, Gabrielle Union will join Michelle Buteau and Aloe Blacc, the evening brings together friends and supporters who believe that where someone lives should never determine whether they live. It's sure to be an amazing evening!