UGANDA —The Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER), an esteemed member of Intealth, has recently unveiled the Eastern African FAIMER Regional Institute (EAFRI) in collaboration with Makerere University College of Health Sciences and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, located in Uganda.
EAFRI is poised to cater to health professions educators across East Africa, encompassing countries such as Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and more.
The institute will offer a range of fellowships commencing in August 2023, and interested individuals can now submit their applications through the institute’s official website.
At the heart of EAFRI lies a comprehensive two-year, part-time fellowship program built upon the framework of the renowned International FAIMER Institute.
This innovative curriculum covers vital areas such as education methods, leadership and management, education scholarship and research, as well as project management and evaluation.
One of the distinguishing features of the institute is its interactive and engaging approach, which emphasizes the practical application of knowledge through participants’ projects.
EAFRI joins the ranks of nine existing regional FAIMER institutes worldwide, including those in Chile, China, Egypt, India, and Indonesia.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Ronald Blanck, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of FAIMER, affirms, “With the establishment of EAFRI, we are delighted to provide these faculty development opportunities to educators in the East Africa region.”
Leveraging the combined strengths of Makerere University College of Health Sciences and Mbarara University of Science and Technology, EAFRI aims to propel the advancement of the health workforce in East Africa.
Fellows enrolled in EAFRI will become part of a growing network of over 2,000 FAIMER Fellows worldwide, exemplifying the commitment of Intealth to advancing the global health workforce.
Intealth serves as a unifying platform that harnesses expertise and resources to elevate the standard of healthcare education on a global scale, ultimately benefiting all individuals seeking quality healthcare services.
William Pinsky, Chief Executive Officer of Intealth, expresses his honor in collaborating with these distinguished universities, stating, “We are honored to partner with two outstanding universities in the region to advance the education of physicians and other healthcare professionals throughout East Africa.”
Makerere University College of Health Sciences, known as MakCHS, stands as the oldest medical school in the region and offers esteemed doctoral and master’s programs in health professions education.
Through collaborative training initiatives such as the Medical Education Partnership Initiative and the Health Professional Education Partnership Initiative, MakCHS actively supports medical schools across East Africa.
Dr. Annettee Nakimuli, Dean at the MakCHS School of Medicine, emphasizes the transformative potential of the FAIMER partnership, stating, “Partnering with FAIMER will enable us to develop leaders in health professions education, research, and community services who will transform the healthcare system and address the needs of the community in East Africa.”
Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), the second oldest public university in Uganda, has been training undergraduate and graduate health professionals since 1989.
MUST boasts a medical education resource center and engages in vibrant regional, national, and international collaborations.
Dr. Joseph Ngonzi, Dean for the MUST Faculty of Medicine, recognizes the monumental opportunity presented by the collaboration with FAIMER, as it allows them to tap into globally pooled expertise and resources, ultimately enhancing the quality of health professions education and ensuring equitable access.
While Uganda has made significant strides in healthcare education and training, there are persistent challenges that require sustained efforts to address the growing demand for health workers.
With a rapid population growth rate of 3.3% and a high total fertility rate of 6.0%, Uganda faces an increasing need for healthcare professionals.
Fortunately, there are organizations working to improve the situation and enhance both the quantity and quality of healthcare professionals in Uganda.
One such example is Intrahealth, which has made commendable progress with funding from the US Agency for International Development.
Intrahealth has actively collaborated with local partners and worked in 128 districts across the country.
Through their efforts, the number of qualified health workers capable of providing high-quality healthcare services has significantly increased.
In 2014, there were 63,872 qualified health workers, and by 2019, that number had risen to over 107,000.
This achievement demonstrates the positive impact of targeted interventions and investments in healthcare workforce development.
By focusing on training and capacity-building initiatives, Intrahealth and similar organizations have contributed to strengthening the healthcare system in Uganda.
Their efforts have not only expanded the workforce but also enhanced the skills and competencies of healthcare professionals, ultimately improving the delivery of healthcare services to the population.
However, the challenges persist, and sustained training of health workers remains crucial. Uganda’s healthcare system needs ongoing support to meet the demands of its growing population and evolving healthcare landscape.
By addressing the gaps in quantity and quality of healthcare professionals, Uganda can continue to make significant progress in improving healthcare outcomes and meeting the healthcare needs of its population.
For all the latest healthcare industry news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, and YouTube Channel, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook.
