The United States has reinforced its commitment to health security in Uganda by donating 48 digital mobile X-ray machines, thermal scanners, and personal protective equipment (PPE). This contribution aims to support Uganda's efforts in combating tuberculosis (TB) and other infectious diseases following the country's recent Ebola outbreak.
On May 14, U.S. Ambassador to Uganda William W. Popp and USAID Uganda Mission Director Daniele Nyirandutiye presented these items to Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng at the Ministry of Health.
The donation was facilitated through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) TB Acceleration Plan and USAID. The 48 digital chest X-ray machines are equipped with computer-aided detection capabilities intended to enhance TB screening accuracy across Uganda, reduce screening time and costs, and reach remote communities.
Valued at over five million dollars (over 18 billion UGX), these machines have the potential to transform TB detection across the country. They are expected to screen more than 500,000 patients in over 60 districts within a year.
USAID Uganda Mission Director Daniele Nyirandutiye remarked on the success of their efforts: “Our efforts have been successful in helping Uganda close in on the goal of ending TB by 2030. They have resulted in nearly 100% treatment coverage and a 92% success rate. Remarkably, Uganda is one of only five countries in the world to reduce TB mortality by over 50% since 2015, far exceeding the 35% global target.”
In response to growing global health risks from increased international travel and trade, two thermal scanners will be installed at Entebbe International Airport for early detection of potential health threats.
Additionally, over 120,000 pieces of PPE valued at more than $950,000 (approximately 3.5 billion UGX) were donated to protect frontline workers and strengthen Uganda’s surveillance infrastructure.
U.S. Ambassador William W. Popp emphasized their ongoing collaboration: “We continue to work together to provide life-saving and humanitarian services, including critical medicines and supplies and support for ending HIV, TB, malaria and improving maternal child health. These efforts to prevent, detect, and contain infectious diseases makes the United States, Uganda, and the world safer and healthier.”
These initiatives highlight a strong partnership between the U.S. and Uganda aimed at building a resilient health system capable of managing both local and global health challenges.
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