Kampala, 19th November 2014:- The World Health Organization Representative for Uganda, Dr. Wondimagegnehu Alemu visited the Prime Minister of Uganda Dr Ruhakana Rugunda at his office in Kampala. During this visit, they discussed various health challenges facing the country.

Dr Alemu conveyed a congratulatory message from the Regional Director Dr Louise Sambo on Dr Rugunda’s recent appointment as the Prime Minister of Uganda. He reiterated the excellent working relationships with WHO whilst the Minister of Health and for his tireless efforts on various health interventions especially immunization, for which he was a GAVI board member and reduction of maternal mortality.

They further discussed the good work that is currently going on in the Ministry of Health especially the recent successfully contained Marburg outbreak.

Dr. Wondimagegnehu mentioned that the Ebola Virus Disease preparedness plan has been finalized by the Ministry of Health and presented to the Health Development Partners for funding.

He further informed the Prime Minister of the need to keep up the momentum generated in the immunization programme and the need to ensure that GAVI co-financing is promptly disbursed to avoid any stock-outs of vaccines

The Right Hon Prime Minister appreciated the role that WHO plays in supporting the Health Sector and assured the Representative that the GAVI co-financing mechanism will be streamlined to avoid Uganda defaulting on its pledge.

Rt Hon Dr. Rugunda also assured the WHO Representative that government will commit some funds towards the Ebola Virus Disease preparedness plan.

The WHO Representative assured Rt Hon Prime Minister of WHO continued support to Uganda in all areas of health through providing technical support.