At a small health center in rural Sembabule, a nurse recalls the heartbreak of turning away patients due to lack of basic diagnostic tools. “We could suspect hypertension or diabetes, but without the right equipment, we couldn’t confirm or act early,” she said. That reality is now changing.
Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) handed over life-saving medical equipment to Uganda’s Ministry of Health under the Diabetes and Cardiovascular (D-CARD) Africa Project–marking a major step forward in the country’s fight against noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
The equipment–comprising blood pressure machines, glucometers and accessories, HbA1c analyzers and reagents, ECG machines, pulse oximeters, and related accessories–will be distributed to 40 primary health care centers in Kabale, Koboko, Lira, and Sembabule.
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Speaking at the handover ceremony, Dr Olaro Charles, Director General Health Services, emphasized the importance of equitable access and prevention.
“Access to these tools should be part of our standard health system operations to strengthen prevention and early detection across all areas. This equipment should also be accompanied by messaging that emphasizes prevention, as our goal is to make it part of primary prevention for early screening and ensure we have all that is needed to achieve this,” he said.
The D-CARD Africa Project aims to strengthen early detection and management of diabetes and hypertension, particularly at the primary health care level. Emphasis is on integrating non communicable diseases screening into existing health services, including HIV, TB, and malnutrition screening, to ensure a holistic and sustainable approach to patient care.
“This moment is a testament to our shared commitment to advancing non communicable disease care and ensuring that life-saving diagnostics and treatment reach the communities that need them most,” said Dr Kasonde Mwinga, WHO Representative to Uganda, “This handover is also a call to strengthen data systems, equip and train health workers, and engage communities in prevention and self-care.”
Dr Mwinga extended WHO’s heartfelt appreciation to the World Diabetes Foundation for their generous support. Their investment is helping build a stronger, more equitable health system–one that prioritizes access and quality for all.
By equipping frontline health facilities with essential diagnostic tools, the D-CARD Africa Project is not only enhancing early detection and treatment but also reinforcing the country’s commitment to universal health coverage. WHO continues to work together with the Ministry of Health and partners like the World Diabetes Foundation to strengthen Uganda’s primary health care system and build a healthier future for all Ugandans.
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