Government has partnered with cultural institutions to strengthen health services, promote hygiene, prevent diseases and address the growing challenge of teenage pregnancies across the country.
Vice President Jessica Alupo said the government was committed to strengthening health services at the regional level, noting that collaboration with cultural leaders was essential in reaching communities and improving public health outcomes.
Alupo made the remarks during the fourth Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Conference held in Kampala, where she emphasized the importance of community participation in preventing diseases and promoting healthy lifestyles.
She said good health begins at the household level through proper nutrition, good hygiene practices and regular medical check-ups, which can help prevent illnesses and save lives.
The Vice President called for collective efforts involving government, cultural institutions and communities to strengthen disease prevention and improve access to health information and services.
Meanwhile, the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Gabula Nadiope IV, urged the government to formalize its collaboration with cultural institutions by leveraging their existing leadership structures to deliver health services to communities.
The Kyabazinga said Busoga Kingdom had established leadership structures stretching from households to clans, which could be used to disseminate health information and mobilize communities to embrace preventive health practices.
He also highlighted the kingdom’s efforts to address teenage pregnancies, revealing that young mothers had been given opportunities to return to school and later sensitize their peers about the dangers and consequences of early pregnancy.
He said involving cultural institutions in government health programmes would strengthen community engagement and improve the delivery of essential health information, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
Health Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, meanwhile, expressed concern over the growing burden of non-communicable diseases, including hypertension, diabetes and cancer.
He called for early intervention and increased public awareness to help prevent and manage these conditions before they develop into severe complications.
The conference comes amid growing calls for stronger partnerships between government and community institutions to improve public health, promote disease prevention and address health challenges affecting vulnerable groups, particularly adolescents and young mothers.
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