Global Health Security: Enhancing Health Security in Private Health Sector in Partnership with the Ministry of Health

The Uganda Healthcare Federation (UHF) has been a beacon of resilience during health crises in Uganda, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ebola Viral Disease outbreak. The UHF played a pivotal role in driving impactful change during these crises. Through advocacy and engagement efforts, the Federation succeeded in collaborating with the Ministry of Health to draft and approve a sector-wide framework for private sector participation in the national response to these outbreaks. This ensured a robust public-private partnership. As a critical partner, the UHF is continuing to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Health, other government departments and agencies, health development partners, and implementing partners. This partnership ensures that Uganda's private health sector is well-prepared for future outbreaks or flare-ups of infectious diseases. Key Contributions of the Federation During the COVID-19 Response

1. Case Management and Vaccine Administration:

Through strategic advocacy for private provider participation in COVID-19 case management and targeted training, with support from USAID, UHF achieved the following: Case Management Preparedness:
• UHF trained 608 healthcare workers across 281 facilities in 128 districts. This comprehensive effort ensured that private hospitals and clinics were equipped to handle COVID-19 patients effectively.
• The private sector’s role in case management was pivotal, bridging gaps and enhancing Uganda’s response. Vaccination Accreditation and Reporting:
• UHF collaborated closely with City Health leadership in 12 cities across Uganda to coordinate the accreditation of 173 private facilities.
• 116 private facilities were accredited to offer COVID-19 vaccination services.
• 74 private facilities directly reported vaccine doses administered through the EPIVAC system.

2. Data Reporting and Surveillance: Strengthening data reporting systems

EpiVAC is Uganda’s official online public COVID-19 Vaccination Certification Portal. It serves as a platform for generating and verifying COVID-19 vaccination certificates. UHF facilitated Accurate data capture and timely reporting of COVID-19 cases, testing, and outcomes with support from USAID through this system:

i) EPIVAC Reporting:

UHF’s 74 accredited facilities in 12 cities directly reported 174,145 vaccine doses through the EPIVAC system. These facilities played a crucial role in the nationwide vaccination campaign.

ii) Additional Doses Administered:

Beyond direct EPIVAC reporting, 29 facilities administered 3,772 doses. These facilities, although not reporting directly in EPIVAC, submitted their data through public health facilities as outreach sites.

3. Ebola Outbreak Preparedness and Response:

Drawing from the valuable lessons learned during the Ebola outbreak, the Uganda Healthcare Federation (UHF) strategically leveraged existing systems to enhance preparedness for future health crises. Let’s delve into the specifics:

i. E-Learning Platform for Health Workers:

UHF digitized essential Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) modules, including topics like Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) overview, environmental cleaning, waste management, screening, isolation, and notification. These modules were uploaded onto the UHF e-learning platform, enabling health workers in lower-level facilities to access self-learning resources and receive refresher training. By empowering health workers with knowledge and skills, UHF strengthened the frontline response capacity.

ii. WhatsApp Groups for Effective Communication:

UHF established WhatsApp groups for each of the 5 Divisions of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). These groups facilitated seamless information sharing, awareness raising, and coordination among health professionals. With 890 active members, these WhatsApp communities played a pivotal role in post-EVD outbreak IPC interventions and knowledge dissemination.

iii. Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for Health Service Providers:

UHF conducted 16 Continuing Medical Education (CME) sessions, mentoring 1,870 health service providers. These sessions not only enhanced their skills but also awarded them two (2) CPD points. The systems initially established for Ebola preparedness continue to serve as valuable assets for managing flare-ups and future outbreaks, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
In recognition of their commitment, the participating health facilities were awarded an additional two (2) CPD points. These integrated approaches ensured that Uganda’s health system remains resilient and ready to tackle emerging challenges.

4. Private Sector Engagement and Resilience

The Federation is a vital hub for private sector engagement in global health security. Its expertise and extensive networks bolster Uganda’s overall resilience against health threats. Monitoring and Coordinated Response:
• As a member of the Ministry of Health’s Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) national response task force, UHF continues to play a pivotal role.
• UHF actively monitors and tracks national outbreaks, ensuring a coordinated and efficient response through information sharing, alert dissemination and knowledge management with it wide network of private providers of different sizes.
• From Ebola to COVID-19, from yellow fever to malaria outbreaks, UHF remains at the forefront of safeguarding Ugandans’ health and well-being.
UHF’s unwavering commitment to public-private collaboration continues to drive Uganda’s ability to respond swiftly to health crises.