Uganda government launches healthcare plan for refugees in order to serve for refugees and the host communities.
The plan will unite the health response for refugees and host communities in the districts to ensure fair access to quality health services, co-existence and mobilisation.
Under the plan government will provide extra health resources to support and build a strong health system.
Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda said at the launch of the plan in Kampala, “By involving refugees into our National Development Plan, we are promoting the principle of “leave no one behind” which is in line with our commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
He said the health plan shows that hosting refugees is not only the right thing to do but also encourages the development of refugee hosting areas and the host communities in the long term.
“The five-year plan will not only advantage refugees but also seven million host communities across the refugee-hosting districts in Uganda,” said Ms Ruth Aceng, the minister of Health.
She asked the local government leaders to extend district level health plans lined up to that of the ministry.
She advised all partners to line up their operations to the new common plan.
Ms Rosa Malango, the United Nations representative, noted that the UN system in Uganda is dedicated to supporting the successful execution of the integrated health sector plan.
Ms Susan Grace Duuku, a South Sudan refugee, and a refugee representative of Rhino Camp in Arua District, thanked the government for its support to refugees.
“We have been given free land and are co-existing in peace with the host communities on top of receiving all social services like health and education just like the locals,” she said.
The plan is themed on “Universal Health Coverage for All.”
