The Ministry of Health, together with the World Health Organization (WHO) Uganda and key stakeholders, convened a high-level stakeholder engagement and policy dialogue in Butebo District as a celebrated the national Self-Care Day.
Held under the theme of operationalizing self-care at the district level, the dialogue brought together health leaders, local government officials, community representatives, and young people to reflect on Uganda’s self-care milestones and explore innovations that are already improving health outcomes across the country.
The dialogue highlighted the crucial role of self-care in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), especially in resource-limited settings. Self-care allows individuals and communities to take charge of their own health through informed choices, preventive practices, and appropriate use of health services.
This is particularly vital for areas like Butebo, where access to health facilities may be limited by distance, cost, or staffing challenges.
District representatives shared local success stories and innovations aimed at making self-care more practical and accessible.
These included community health education drives, adolescent-friendly services, and mobile outreach programs that empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
Youth voices featured prominently in the dialogue, with young people raising critical issues around adolescent sexual and reproductive health, mental well-being, and access to accurate information.
Their inclusion in policy discussions was welcomed as a sign that Uganda is ready to listen to the needs of its growing youthful population.
WHO Uganda, a key partner in the dialogue, reaffirmed its support to Uganda’s self-care agenda. The organization emphasized that community-led solutions, backed by strong policy and health system integration, are key to ensuring equitable and sustainable health outcomes.
The Butebo dialogue was to inform the national Self-Care Day celebrations and strengthen the implementation of Uganda’s self-care guidelines at district and community levels.
❝Uganda’s current health policy environment demonstrates growing alignment with the global #selfcare movement, especially in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The National Self-Care Guideline for SRHR launched by the Ministry of Health is a significant step in institutionalizing self-care as a formal part of the health system. However, Self-care has not been fully mainstreamed into other essential health areas such as non-communicable diseases, mental health, and adolescent health.❞
Said Caroline Nyaburu from Policy and advocacy manager at IRC- international Rescue Committee.
