District Leaders reveals improved community immunization, capacity building with the integrated SLL heath project in Uganda.

Uganda’s life expectancy has risen from 45 years in 1986 to 68 today. The 2026–2031 government health  plan targets safer childbirth, 100% village safe-water coverage, stronger immunisation, and advanced regional hospitals

Under the “Saving Lives and Livelihood (SLL) program” that aims at supporting routine immunizations, Uganda Red Cross Society together with Ministry of Health and partners such as Africa CDC, Amref Health Africa the host Mastercard, and other partners are collaborating to raise health awareness, planning community engagements, monitoring and other activities in over 8 districts in he greater Mubende region. 

The program stakeholders on Thursday 27th November 2025 convined at Hotel Africana for a close out meeting to discuss the national strategies for the immunization drive and the related health issues across Uganda.

Health experts have revealed that although Uganda’s healthcare has made visible strides in immunization drives as one of the most effective ways to prevent life-threatening illness, reducing disease severity and others, they have identified that access if some communities still depends on geography, income, connections and other ways undermining interventions. 

 Dr. Michael Baganizi

While officiating at the stakeholder meeting Dr. Michael Baganizi, the Assistant Commissioner Health Service at Ministry of Health commended the integrated model approach that have delivered health services to the targets districts in the greater Mubende region that was agreed upon in the phase 2nd phase of the SLL project, which region he said was identified with unique challenges, few partners, and indicators than other districts such as myths, misconception on vaccines, and others. 

He said that the interested approach ensured that the life support services and facilities reach the targeted communities such as the guidelines took kits delivery to health centers that is contributing to the immunization drive.

“ The immunization guidelines took kit is going to available at all vaccinating health centers to support frontline health workers in the community to a cess information needed while in the field” said

Dr. Josephine Okwera

The Uganda Red Cross Society Director for Health and Social Services, Dr. Josephine Okwera highlighted that through the Save lives and Livelihood project they have demonstrated that there is need to continue responding to the humanity in disease prevention and health promotion in Uganda.  

She said that while targeting the community, Uganda Red Cross society have provided right information on immunization to support different people make the right decisions to improve health.

“When we are together as stakeholders we can Implement activities to respond to humanity. As Red Cross community health is core to promote health, hygiene, and disease prevention” she said

She called for continued support from partners to “cause real change to the community through a broad network to prevent diseases, mibilise community and facilitate lunges between community and health centers”

Marembo Takujwa, the Senior Representative Africa Center for Disease Control (CDC) said that while the project celebrates achievemts in the implemented activities, there is a need to reflect on the future plans on saving lives in Uganda through partnership between Africa CDC and Mastercard and implementing partners.

He reported that the project have achieved improved community coverage through outreach engagement in the targeted districts.

Dr. Patrick Kamurusi the Country Director Amref Uganda while applauded the coordination of the stakeholders for championing the immunization drive in different regions in Uganda said that the project is addressing social determinants of health, improving living conditions, disease prevention and other activities with support from Mastercard foundation collaborating with Uganda Red Cross Society and others.

He said that the activities are aligned with the Amref strategy up to 2030 and the national health sector investment plan of Uganda.

“I commend the good coordination that has ensured full production and unlocking potential of Ugandans. We remain committed to do more” he said.

The District Health Office of Luweero district, Innocent Nkomwa said that during the phase two of the project implementation in the 8 districts in Uganda, they have witnessed strengthened health service delivery in Luweero, increased access to immunization, human resource capacity building, among other achievements.

Recently, the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS), in partnership with the Ministry of Health, has been driving community mobilization for vaccination in Mityana, Kassanda, Kiboga, Mubende districts and others.

Mubende District has achieved an impressive 91% yellow fever vaccination coverage, a milestone powered by strong community engagement, radio awareness, and tireless URCS volunteers going door-to-door.

Dr. Bob Sekyanzi, the District Health Officer of Mubende, commended the efforts that led to the district’s success.

He emphasized that the remarkable 91% coverage was not only a result of sound health protocols but also the power of grassroots mobilization—from radio sensitizations to door-to-door outreach led by passionate.

Midwife Nakato Rehemah from Butoloogo Health Centre III praised the volunteers’ dedication, noting how their efforts have strengthened trust and participation in immunization activities.