Dr. Diana Atwine, the Permanent Secretary of Uganda’s Ministry of Health, has underscored the vital role of knowledge exchange in advancing global health, particularly in research and innovation.
The summit, led by Ugandan Moses Mulimira, serves as a platform for fostering collaboration between the UK and Africa in healthcare.
Highlighting the significance of cross-border collaboration, Dr. Atwine painted a vivid picture of a scenario where a diplomat falls ill with a complex condition while on duty in Africa.
She emphasized that with a more robust healthcare system in place, lives could be saved in such situations. Atwine also drew attention to the issue of malaria, noting that symptoms may manifest in individuals returning to the UK after contracting the disease in Africa, posing challenges for healthcare facilities ill-equipped to handle such cases.
“Research and training are indispensable in addressing emerging global challenges,” Dr. Atwine stressed.
She highlighted the pressing issues of antimicrobial resistance, evolving viruses, and climate change, all of which require concerted efforts and collaboration to develop effective interventions. The need for joint initiatives in developing new drugs and alternative therapies was emphasized as crucial in countering these challenges effectively.
Dr. Atwine’s remarks resonated strongly with attendees, who acknowledged the urgency of bolstering cooperation between nations to tackle pressing health issues.
