Kampala, Uganda: The Rockefeller Foundation and 11 Agencies have nee honoured with the 2024 Climate and Health Champion Awards in Uganda.
On August 22, 2024, the Ministry of Health in Uganda honored twelve organizations and eight individuals with the prestigious 2024 Climate and Health Champion Awards for their efforts in addressing climate change and building health resilience in the country, according to a news update on the Makerere University School of Public Health website.
The awards were presented during the launch of Uganda’s Climate Change Health National Adaptation Plan (H-NAP) for 2025-2030 at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala. The event was presided over by the Rt. Hon. Lukia Isanga Nakadama, Uganda’s 3rd Deputy Prime Minister and Woman MP for Mayuge District.
Dr. Diana Atwine, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, emphasized the broad-reaching impact of climate change and praised the organizations and individuals contributing to the creation of a climate-resilient health system in Uganda.
The Rockefeller Foundation, a key contributor, was recognized for its financial and technical support in conducting vulnerability assessments of Uganda’s health sector, which were critical in developing the H-NAP. William Asiko, Vice President and head of The Rockefeller Foundation’s Africa Regional Office, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
Other organizations that were honored include the Office of the Prime Minister for its support in handling climate health emergencies, and the Ministry of Water and Environment’s Department of Climate Change for its role in climate health governance.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Uganda office was also recognized for its technical and financial assistance. Additionally, Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) received an appreciation award for its research contributions to climate resilience, with its Dean, Professor Rhoda Wanyenze, accepting the honor.
Among the non-governmental organizations awarded were Regenerate Africa, recognized for its efforts in advancing Africa’s transition to a regenerative economy, along with Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Seed Global Health Uganda, Pathfinder Uganda, Amref Africa, Tree Adoption Uganda, and Reproductive Health Uganda.
These organizations were acknowledged for their advocacy and support to the health sector in addressing climate-related challenges.
Key individuals in the Ministry of Health, including Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Minister of Health, were honored for their leadership in promoting a climate-resilient health system. Dr. Diana Atwine, Dr. Henry Mwebesa, Dr. Danie Kyabayinze, Dr. Herbert Nabaasa, and Dr. Didacus Namanya were also recognized for their contributions. Dr. John Bosco Isunju, a lecturer involved in the Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessment (VAA), was commended for his technical expertise.
The H-NAP, developed to guide Uganda’s health sector in adapting to climate change, was informed by the VAA, which surveyed 716 health facilities across the country. The assessment revealed that nearly half of Uganda’s healthcare facilities are vulnerable to drought, while others face risks from floods, storms, and landslides.
The plan outlines interventions aimed at creating a low-carbon, climate-resilient health system, with a focus on leadership, governance, health workforce development, risk monitoring, and sustainable financing.
The success of the H-NAP will depend on strong collaboration among government ministries, health agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
For more of this story, please visit: https://sph.mak.ac.ug/news/rockefeller-foundation-11-other-agencies-honored-2024-climate-and-health-champion-awards
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