ACHEST engaged at the UNHRO Resource Mobilization workshop in Kampala, Uganda
Dr. David Okello, the Director of Non Communicable Diseases and Healthy Ageing at the African Centre for Global Health and Social Transformation (ACHEST) attended a Resource Mobilization workshop on domestic funding for Health Research, organized by Uganda National Health Research Organization (UNHRO) in collaboration with IAVI held at Serena Hotel on 12th June 2018.
The workshop brought together a cross section of stakeholders from research institutions, academia, advocacy groups, government stakeholders; development partners, health science journalists and a strong contingent of members of the parliamentary committee on health. The aim of the workshop was to support and reinforce the call for national domestic funding for Health Research.
Dr. Okello made a presentation at the workshop titled: Resource Mobilization for Health
Dr. Sam Okware of UNHRO and Dr. David Okello of ACHEST at the Resource Mobilization workshop in Serena Research. In his presentation, he highlighted key issues among others; the importance of Health Research, who should be involved in Health Research, how Health Research should be managed and where funding for Health Research should be obtained.
“More than ever before, advocacy and lobby with MoH and partners is needed to support the noble efforts of UNHRO in coordinating health research, which could provide the necessary innovative interventions to address the health challenges of the country.” Dr. Okello noted.
Dr Sam Okware provided a brief on the challenges facing UNHRO, with emphasis on poor funding support.
There was consensus from the delegates on the need to strengthen the coordinating role of UNHRO. The institution should be better resourced and given a dedicated vote for budget to enable it to do its work well.
The parliamentarians expressed concern that compared to other research institutions, UNHRO was largely not visible and many do not know about its roles. A strong call was made to UNHRO to come out boldly to sell its image to parliament in particular and to the media and the public.