Uganda has successfully hosted a pivotal five-day meeting aimed at transforming healthcare delivery by integrating HIV, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and mental health services. The event, held in Kampala from October 28 to November 1, 2024, was organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and key international health partners. It brought together national program managers, WHO officials, and health experts from over 20 countries to discuss strategies for building a resilient, unified healthcare system that addresses multiple health needs. 

The meeting addressed pressing health challenges facing sub-Saharan Africa, where 25.9 million people are living with HIV and only 76% have achieved viral suppression. However, progress was slower for children in East and Southern Africa as well as West and Central Africa. Only 77% of children in East and Southern Africa received HIV testing, while 84% received antiretroviral treatment and 85% achieving viral suppression in 2024. In West and Central Africa, these targets are much lower, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions for children.  

The integration of NCD care is crucial, as NCDs now account for 37% of deaths in the region, up from 24% in 2000. Delegates discussed the need to jointly implement these health services, aligning with WHO’s call for integrated approaches to healthcare. 

WHO’s Acting Country Representative to Uganda, Dr. Charles Njuguna, highlighted the importance of this collaboration. “Integrating HIV, hepatitis, non-communicable diseases, and mental health services remains essential. I am delighted to observe that this meeting includes representatives from multiple disease programs, which provides a solid foundation for more integrated health service delivery.,” he said. 

Dr. IKPEAZU, Akudo Ezinne WHO Africa Region’s HTH Team Lead further emphasized, “We need cohesive healthcare systems that deliver on multiple health needs, from viral suppression to mental health, especially in vulnerable communities. Integrated care is the future of health resilience in our region.” 

Mental health, another key component of the summit, emerged as an essential area for improvement in HIV care. Depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders negatively impact adherence to HIV treatment, underscoring the need to integrate mental health support into existing services. 

“Our goal,” Dr. Njuguna noted, “focuses on closing gaps in HIV and hepatitis programs and integrating non-communicable diseases and mental health services—addressing some of the most pressing public health priorities if we are to attain the related Sustainable Development Goal targets by 2030.” 

The meeting’s key outcomes included strengthened national capacities to integrate NCD and mental health services within HIV care, resolution for establishment of enhanced knowledge-sharing platforms for continuous exchange among regional healthcare leaders, and a commitment to prioritizing community involvement in monitoring and improving HIV and NCD service delivery. Additionally exploring innovative strategies for increasing domestic funding for sustainability of health programmes. 

“WHO and partners will continue supporting the efforts of each member state to end the epidemics in the context of Universal Health Coverage and primary health care,” reaffirmed Dr. Njuguna in his remarks. 
With new collaborative frameworks and platforms established, Uganda and other participating countries are well-equipped to implement these critical recommendations, marking significant progress in the fight against HIV, Hepatitis and NCDs across the African continent. 

In his closing remarks Dr Charles Oyoo, the Commissioner of NCDs in the Ministry of Health Uganda underscored the importance of the meeting’s outcomes. “As we conclude this week’s discussions, we are committed to building a healthcare model that responds holistically to the complex needs of our people,” he stated.  

“This integration of HIV and NCD care will not only improve patient outcomes but will also support the 20 country broader health agendas, ensuring that we reach even the most vulnerable communities.”