In a major diplomatic assembly, Dr Kasonde Mwinga, the newly appointed World Well being Group (WHO) Nation Consultant to Uganda, at this time offered her credentials to the Minister of State for Overseas Affairs, Hon. Henry Oryem Okello in Kampala.
Hon. Oryem congratulated and welcomed Dr Mwinga, expressing appreciation for WHO’s ongoing help in strengthening Uganda’s well being programs and addressing essential public well being challenges. “We’re grateful for WHO’s unwavering dedication to aiding Uganda in its battle towards varied well being threats, together with infectious, communicable, and non-communicable ailments, in addition to rising well being crises,” he said.
Throughout her presentation, Dr Mwinga expressed gratitude for the nice and cozy welcome and reaffirmed WHO’s dedication to supporting Uganda and the well-being of its folks. She emphasised the significance of collaboration between WHO and the Ugandan authorities in addressing well being challenges. “Collectively, we will sort out the basis causes of well being disparities and work in direction of a more healthy future for all Ugandans,” she added.
Earlier than her appointment in Uganda, Dr Mwinga served because the Director of Common Well being Protection, Life Course Cluster, on the WHO Africa Regional Workplace in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, from Might 2021 to 14 January 2025. On this function, she led WHO consultants in enhancing well being and well-being throughout totally different age teams by people-centered well being programs aimed toward reaching common well being protection in Africa. Her work centered on putting girls, kids, adolescents, and older individuals on the coronary heart of well being service supply. She led groups supporting African Member States in strengthening well being coverage and planning, enhancing well being financing programs, constructing a talented and motivated well being workforce, guaranteeing the provision of important medicines and applied sciences, enhancing infrastructure, and establishing dependable data programs to watch progress.
Hon. Oryem reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to working intently with WHO to realize shared well being targets. He emphasised that efficient partnerships are essential for addressing the advanced well being challenges going through the nation and pledged the federal government’s help to Dr Mwinga throughout her tenure.
Dr Mwinga brings over 30 years of medical and public well being expertise, having served in varied roles throughout Africa and Asia. She was beforehand WHO Nation Consultant to Rwanda and Performing Consultant in Eritrea. She additionally served as WHO India Crew Chief for selling well being by the life course. Moreover, she has labored as a paediatric specialist, honorary lecturer, and researcher in Zambia. Educated as a public well being specialist and paediatrician, her management will likely be instrumental in guiding Uganda by its present well being challenges and advancing common well being protection.