President Yoweri Museveni has lauded foot soldiers in the health sector for their dedication to the nation.
Museveni’s remarks are contained in his speech, read by Vice President, Jessica Alupo, at the Heroes in Health Awards (HIHA) gala.
The event was held last Friday at Kampala Serena Hotel.
“The Heroes in Health Awards is a wonderful initiative and I want to applaud the organisers of these awards for recognising the contribution of our health workers in ensuring that we enjoy a disease-free life. In a special way, I want congratulate all the health workers, health institutions and all groups that have received awards of excellence in various categories. I thank you for offering distinguished service to the country in the health sector.”
He added, “I am glad that the second edition of the awards will pay homage to the dedicated and talented foot soldiers, practitioners, academicians, organizations and other sector partners, who dedicate their careers, time, life and resources to providing exemplary care, innovation and service to Ugandans countrywide.”
The Awards are organized by the Ministry of Health with support from Xtraordinary media. HIHA is a rewards initiative instituted to recognize outstanding individuals, entities, organizations, services, products, and programs.
The president promised to continue investing in health infrastructure and equip health facilities to handle challenges.
“Additionally, Government continues to invest in improving the health infrastructure across the country. It is the right of every Ugandan to access affordable and timely health care. Government will continue to ensure that health centres are well equipped and staffed to handle the health challenges of Ugandans,” he said.
The president challenged Ugandans to be on high alert to prevent the new health challenge that is Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
“The new danger to the health of Ugandans is arising from the non-communicable diseases. We continue to witness an increase in life style diseases. Lifestyle diseases or Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) include; diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), obesity and cancers. These are most prevalent in the urban areas where people have adopted behaviours which promote less body activity or exercise and eating fatty and processed foods and beverages. The Non-Communicable Diseases are easy to handle through lifestyle changes,” Museveni added.
He advised the Ministry of Health to intensify its health campaigns to teach people on the right diets for their bodies and the recommended forms of exercise for different categories of people.
“This will help us to counter the threat of these silent killers.” he said.
The Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng, the Permanent Secretary, Dr Diana Atwine were among the tip officials who attended the colorful event.
Also present was US Ambassador to Uganda, Natalie E. Brown.
Speaking on behalf of development partners, Ambassador Brown noted the critical role health care workers play in a society. She commended their dedication & sacrifice, and called for continued cooperation to combat COVID19 and improve the health of all.
Dr Joseph Epodoi of Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, won the “Doctor of the Year Award.”
The awards process, was made possible in conjuction with National Medical Stores (NMS), World Health Organization, National Drug Authority, Stanbic Bank, Parliament and Telecom Giant MTN. Others include; Uganda Airlines, Uganda Communications Commission, Joint Medical Stores.
BELOW IS THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Sr. Christinae Otai
- Nurse of the year: Lubega Martin
- Midwife of the year: Lilian Nuwabaine
- Doctor of the year: Dr Joseph Epodoi
- COVID-19 responder of the year: Andrew Kamau
- Health Journalist of the Year Award: Henry Mugenyi
- Pharmacist of the year: Dr Stephen Lutoti.
- Private Health Facility of the year: Alive Medical Centre
- Allied Health Award: Nsawoteeba Andrew
- Health Leader of the Year Award: Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero
- Best Student Innovation award: Gwokwalya Anna Maria wins
- The Public Health Facility: Kawempe National Referral Hospital.
- Excellence in palliative care: Nakasita Catherine from Kitagata Hospital, Sheema district
- Allied Health Worker award: Nsautebwa Andrew
- Regional Health Champion – Central award: Her Royal Highness Queen of Buganda Kingdom, Sylivia Nagginda
- Regional Health Champion East award: Steven Anguria
- Use of ICT to improve health care award: Health Information Systems Program Uganda
- Health Innovation Award: Christopher Nsamba
- Mission and Faith-Based Health Facility Award: St John Hospital, Abyer
- Health Community Worker: Hillary, a gynecologist
- Health Community Worker: Fr Dr Samuel Okori from Oyam
- Health Community Worker – Eastern: Beatrice Asegenyi from Koboko