This quarter was both good and bad. The health sector Budget Framework Paper F/Y 2010/2011 reveals a decline in the budget from F/Y 2009/2010 by about 17 billion Uganda shillings. This is a result of a drop in donor funding. DANIDA, a major supporter to the health sector will from December 2010 be transferring to the water sector, leaving a gap in the Technical Support to the planning department, financing for Essential Medicines and Health Supplies, among others. The already under funded sector, particularly the financing of EMHS will suffer next FY if the funding gap is not covered.
Also this quarter, the newspapers were filled with stories of drug stock-outs and arrests of health workers for purportedly stealing drugs. These arrests were initiated by the Medicines and Health Service Delivery Monitoring Unit (MHSDMU). Most outstandingly was the arrest of the Programme Managers of the Malaria Control Programme in the Ministry of Health. Although mismanagement of public resources is an offence and must be prosecuted, these arrests are creating a perception that drug stock-outs are being solely caused by health workers. Even with the revision of the drug distribution system with the National Medical Stores having autonomy and control over distribution of drugs, stock-outs are still rampant. It is therefore important that in fulfilling its mandate, the MHSDMU must repackage its message to convey to the public that drug stock-outs are being caused by a multitude of including low funding, problems with supply chain, and the capacity of NMS to deliver drugs in a timely manner.Other stories reflect that National Medical Stores is making efforts to address shortages.
Maternal health issues next dominate the media.There is a cry in the media for men to be involved in maternal health issues.
THE BLOOD SHORTAGE HAS CONTINUED.
After a long wait, the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFTAM) fulfilled some commitments to the people of Uganda. Under Round 7, GFTAM has given Shs 170 billion Uganda to fight malaria. The money, according the State Minister for Primary Health Care, Mr James Kakooza, is meant to buy 17.5 million mosquito nets to be distributed free-of-charge to Ugandans, especially pregnant mothers and children who are more vulnerable.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Stephen Mallinga signed the global International Health Partnerships (IHP+) compact in February 2009. Efforts are now being taken to develop a country compact. AGHA was appointed to represent non facility based civil society organisations on the International Health Partnerships (IHP+) Taskforce. The IHP+ has been described as the translation into practice of the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness for achieving the health-related MDGs through better aid coordination and a focus on results.
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