Kampala (U)- The colourful 5th Edition of Heroes in Health Awards (HIHA 2024) themed “Health Workforce Financing To Achieve Universal Health Coverage”, took place at Speke Resort, Munyonyo, where Health Ministry and partners celebrated outstanding men & women who have tirelessly worked to shine a light on Uganda’s health sector. Entities, institutions, services, products, and programs whose remarkable contribution to Uganda’s healthcare is unmatched were also recognised.
Since 2019, HIHA has celebrated trailblazers transforming Uganda’s health system, with last night’s Diaspora Merit Award going to Uganda UK Health Alliance (UUKHA) lead person, Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET) Diaspora Engagement Advisor, Project Manager NHSE Global Health Fellowship, and Founder of Uganda Diaspora Health Foundation, Moses Mulimira, and Primrose Magala from Eye-Health African & Uganda Nurses and Midwives Association in UK.
“I am thrilled to be recognized with the Diaspora Merit Award at HIHA 2024. Receiving several nominations from our motherland and the Diaspora is a true honour. The recognition fills me with immense pride and motivation to continue supporting our health sector,” Mulimira said.
He added that the recognition is more than a win, as it clearly reflects his patriotic spirit and willingness to positively contribute toward building a resilient and sustainable health system in Uganda. “I thank my team at THET, Health Ministry of Uganda, & all those who nominated me for their love. I am inspired by this award and promise to even push for greater growth in Uganda’s health sector.”
On her part, Primrose Magala, a Ugandan British nurse at the world-renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital, in London, reckoned that it’s a great honour and privilege to celebrate her remarkable contribution toward Uganda’s health system.
“It feels good to acknowledge and recognise the Diaspora as important players and partners in national, global health, and economic development. This moment is extra special because I am standing alongside our own heroes. What an incredible honour!”
She thanked Moorfields Eye Hospital, Health Ministry, and all participants for the continued efforts and support toward changing the face of Uganda’s health system. “I am sincerely grateful to colleagues for inspiring us to be proactive participants and contributors toward positive change back home.”
The event was graced by Health Minister, Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Justice Minister, Hon. Nobert Mao, Director General Health Services, Dr. Henry Mwebesa, State Minister for Minerals, Phiona Nyamutoro, Senior Presidential Advisor on Creatives, Eddy Kenzo, Health Ministry Spokesman, Emmanuel Ainebyoona, & Deputy CEO Next Media, Joseph Kigozi.
Other notable winners included Dr. Kyomugisha Edwards (Doctor of the Year), Dr. Mwandah Daniel Chans (Pharmacist of the Year), Jedah Twebaze (Nurse of the Year), & Atako Harriet (Midwife of the Year), among others.
On the sidelines, stakeholders emphasized that financing is critical to ensuring the sustainable development and strengthening both health workers and institutions.
“One of the key strategies to make the health workforce more effective is the use of performance-based incentives and results-based financing,” Jessica Healey stressed.
Stanbic, DFCU, and Housing Finance Banks extended tokens of appreciation to the winners, underscoring their commitment to advancing and supporting healthcare in Uganda.
Special appreciation to the organisers for recognising the vital contributions of healthcare professionals and practitioners to the development of Uganda’s healthcare sector.
This edition, set the foundation for the 6th edition (2025), which is expected to bring a brighter spotlight to healthcare heroes, building community pride and encouraging sector-wide excellence.
