UGANDA – The Republic of Uganda has partnered with the European Union (EU) in the reconstruction and expansion of Bibia Health Centre in Amuru district in northern Uganda at the cost of UGX920 million (about US$238,000).

In 2020, the European Union committed US$60 million to help stop COVID-19, mitigate its effects on the most vulnerable, and lay the foundation for long-term recovery in seven countries in the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) sub-region including Uganda.

The European Union (EU), through the EU-IGAD COVID-19 Response programme, funded the hospital upgrades and expansion works for Bibia Health Centre III which is the designated referral facility for Elegu Point of Entry (PoE), at the Uganda border with South Sudan.

The EU-IGAD COVID-19 Response programme is committed to enhancing the coordinated response to health emergencies and the unique integrated approach implemented in the programme is key to responding to the multidimensional effects of COVID-19 across the IGAD sub-region.

In addition, the renovation project is part of Uganda’s COVID-19 response and safeguarding the health and well-being of the community since Elegu PoE is characterised by high levels of trade specifically the area averages more than 1,000 travellers per day.

Representing the European Union Delegation to Uganda, Accountability Advisor Enora Marenne put the support to Bibia in a regional context. The programme, she said, had reached more than 8.9 million people with interventions in health; Water, Sanitation and Hygiene; Gender-Based Violence, risk communication and community engagement.

The Ugandan Government and partners have advanced health service delivery at the Bibia Health Centre through refurbishment, expansion and equipping of the out-patient department including a laboratory and a store.

The reconstruction of the Ugandan Bibia Health Centre also involves an isolation unit, a larger in-patient ward and improvements in the maternity ward, three drainable latrine blocks with a total of 10 stances along with an incinerator and ash pit.

During the handover ceremony, the Health Minister was represented by Dr Joseph Okware, Director of Health Services in charge of Governance and Regulation, who thanked the partners while describing border posts like Elegu, Malaba and Busia as key spots for Uganda.

The Minister asked me to assess whether the project was successfully implemented. And the message we are taking back is that the project was done well; it is complete; and Bibia is now a new Bibia,” said Dr. Joseph Okware.

Representing the European Union Delegation to Uganda, Accountability Advisor Enora Marenne observed that COVID-19 poses serious challenges and risks to the capacity of health systems all over the world.

’Medical personnel have been working under extreme pressure, often with limited supplies and equipment. The EU has been supporting efforts such as the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Bibia health centre, which we hope will benefit the most vulnerable population in cross-border areas,” Marenne added.

Head of the IGAD Mission to Uganda Ms Lucy Daxbacher said, “Continued development of public health systems, increasing vaccine coverage against COVID-19 and digital health solutions are key action points for IGAD Member States.”

Liked this article? Sign up to receive our regular email newsletters, focused on Africa and World’s healthcare industry, directly into your inbox. SUBSCRIBE HERE