Museveni urges Global Fund to support local medical suppliers

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President Yoweri Museveni has met and held discussions with Global Fund executive director Peter Sands at State House-Entebbe.

The Global Fund is an international organisation created in 2002 as an innovative financing mechanism seeking to rapidly raise and disburse funding for programmes that reduce the impact of HIV and AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in low- and middle-income countries.

During the meeting on Thursday, May 2, 2024, President Museveni appealed to the organisation to consider purchasing drugs, vaccinations, and other essential medical supplies from local manufacturers to enhance the country’s knowledge economy.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in a meeting with Global Fund Executive Director Peter Sands. Present were the ministers of health and finance plus governments officials at the State House Entebbe. Photo by PPU/Tony Rujuta

He also emphasised the importance of investing in the knowledge economy, particularly in vaccines, drugs, and scientific innovations for a country like Uganda.

Key areas for potential procurement

Adding to the President’s submission, health minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng outlined the four key areas for potential procurement, including Antiretroviral Drugs for HIV treatment, rapid diagnostic tests for malaria and HIV, long-lasting insecticidal nets and medical gloves.

President Museveni also reassured the Global Fund of Uganda's commitment to combating HIV/AIDS and malaria, stressing the need for prevention alongside treatment efforts.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni making his remarks while meeting the Global Fund Executive Director Peter Sands at the State House Entebbe. Photo by PPU/Tony Rujuta

“For the last 30 years, we have spread our HIV prevention message, and people have heard it. Today, the prevalence rates have significantly reduced, and those living with HIV are adhering to their ARVs. However, they should be aware of the physical exhaustion that comes with taking the drugs and take good care of themselves,” the President advised.

On the other hand, President Museveni articulated Uganda's economic progress through phases, underscoring the nation's transition towards diversification and the expansion of its money economy.

“When we came in, we aimed at a number of phases. Phase one was what we called minimum recovery to bring back the small island of the money economy surrounded by those who work only for the stomach. This you can see with tourism, which has come back, along with maintained coffee production, a slight increase in cotton production, and the resurgence of tea,” he said.

Global Fund Executive Director Peter Sands making remarks in a meeting at the State House Entebbe. Photo by PPU/Tony Rujuta

“However, we have not yet succeeded in reviving the copper industry. Phase two was to expand that small island, which we have done. For instance, coffee production has increased from two million bags to now nine million bags, and tea production has grown from three million kilogrammes to now 60 million kilogrammes,” he added.

Sands reciprocated the commitment assurance, expressing the Global Fund's willingness to collaborate with local markets to ensure the supply of essential medical supplies while addressing cost-cutting considerations, market competitiveness, and tendering issues.

President Museveni committed to enhancing further engagements with local drug manufacturers to establish mutually beneficial terms for supplying their products to the Global Fund.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni having a chat with Global Fund Executive Director Peter Sands. Present were the ministers of health and finance plus other governments officials. Photo by PPU/Tony Rujuta

Accelerating end to AIDS

Sands also said the Global Fund's partnership with Uganda's health ministry aims to accelerate the end of AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria epidemics and shall continue to support the government’s efforts in preventing the spread of these diseases.

“With a cumulative investment of $2.9 billion and a forthcoming $700 million investment over the next three years, the Fund focuses on combating prevalent diseases and addressing unique challenges such as mosquito resistance and HIV/AIDS prevention,” he informed the President.

The Global Fund chief also lauded the President for his fight to end HIV/AIDS, stating that a progressive impact has been made.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in a group photo with Global Fund Executive Director Peter Sands. Present were the ministers of health and finance plus governments officials after a meeting at the State House Entebbe. Photo by PPU/Tony Rujuta

“Thanks to the implementation of large-scale prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care programs, all provided on the principle of access to healthcare for all who need it, without stigma or discrimination. This approach has saved lives.”

The meeting was attended by the Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, Hon. Matia Kasaija, the Permanent Secretary- Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine and Dr Medard Bitekyerezo, the Chairman of the National Drug Authority (NDA).

Others in attendance were local drug manufacturers such as Mr. Emmanuel Katongole, the co-founder, and Chairman of Quality Chemicals Limited.