Saudi Fund commits US$30 million to propel Uganda Heart Institute’s transformative journey

UGANDA — The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has joined hands with Uganda to revolutionize healthcare.

The SFD’s Chief Executive Officer, Sultan Al-Marshad, and Uganda’s Minister of Finance Planning and Economic Development, Matia Kasaija, inked a pivotal loan agreement worth US$30 million.

The funds will be channeled into the construction and equipping of the Uganda Heart Institute Project, a game-changer in the country’s medical landscape.

The corridors of international cooperation resounded with promise as the SFD and Uganda formalized their collaboration on September 6.

The signing ceremony bore witness to this transformative agreement, graced by the presence of Uganda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, and official representatives from both sides.

At its core, the Uganda Heart Institute Project is a testament to the power of shared vision, uniting entities committed to enhancing global health and well-being.

The SFD’s substantial investment in this endeavor is set to bolster Uganda’s healthcare sector and align with the country’s National Development Plan III. This plan aims to elevate productivity and social well-being among the population.

This loan agreement holds a multifaceted mission: to support the construction and equipping of a state-of-the-art Uganda Heart Institute.

Within its walls, two fully equipped emergency admittance and care facilities will stand, alongside intensive care and emergency services.

The institute’s capabilities will span catheterization procedure rooms, x-rays, CT scans, and more.

Moreover, it will be a hub for an array of cardiovascular surgical interventions, house five fully equipped clinical and research laboratories, and provide 222 beds, including 20 for the Critical Care unit.

The Uganda Heart Institute Project’s ripple effect is expected to be profound. It’s poised to curtail the exodus of Ugandans seeking cardiovascular treatment abroad, fostering reliance on the institute for these crucial medical needs. The project’s impact is projected to reach over 62,000 individuals.

Yet, it’s not merely about equipment and infrastructure. This initiative harbors a crucial educational facet. It will train healthcare workers to adeptly address heart-related issues, potentially reducing mortality rates and the prevalence of heart disease in the region.

Beyond this, it seeks to raise public awareness about heart diseases, fortifying the bulwark against future cardiac ailments and enhancing countless lives.

Additionally, the Uganda Heart Institute Project serves as an economic catalyst. It will generate both direct and indirect job opportunities within the healthcare sector, stimulating local economic growth.

Notably, this initiative aligns harmoniously with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, notably SDG 3, which underscores Good Health and Well-being.

Speaking on this momentous occasion, Matia Kasaija, Uganda’s Minister of Finance Planning and Economic Development, lauded the SFD, stating, “The Saudi Fund for Development is one of the most reliable Arab Development Partners that has supported Uganda’s Economic Development since 1976 in the Agriculture, Livestock, Education (BTVET), and Energy sectors among others.”

Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, Uganda’s Minister of Health, expressed her vision, remarking, “Today marks the start of a transformative journey for the Uganda Heart Institute.

“This development loan demonstrates the SFD’s commitment to improving the lives of Ugandan citizens. It is a significant contribution to the health of our people and will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the healthcare landscape of the country.”

Sultan Al-Marshad, CEO of SFD, underscored the organization’s dedication to sustainable development in Africa, emphasizing the fight against heart disease as a pivotal public health endeavor. He stated, “We are proud to be part of this important initiative, which will contribute towards bettering the lives of many.”

For over four decades, the SFD has been a steadfast supporter of Uganda’s development, financing seven projects totaling US$81 million in sectors spanning energy, health, agriculture, and education.

The SFD’s mission is clear: to provide every nation the opportunity to realize its sustainable development goals.

Since its inception in 1974, the SFD has financed over 400 development projects and programs, worth a staggering US$10.7 billion, across 46 countries in Africa. This accounts for over 57% of the SFD’s total funding in developing countries worldwide.

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