EDITOR
Kanungu District has successfully hosted the Kigezi Annual Regional Joint Performance Review Meeting, with Kabale District serving as the official convener under the leadership of Dr. Nyeko J. Philbert, Director of Kabale Regional Referral Hospital. The event took place at Goro Cottages in Kihihi Town Council from 25th to 26th August 2025.
The high-level gathering brought together District Health Officers, Commissioners, Directors of Health, Chief Administrative Officers, specialists, doctors, and heads of health facilities from across the Kigezi sub-region. Development partners, including the World Health Organization, JCRC, civil society organizations, and medical teams working with refugees, also participated.
The meeting was officially opened by the Resident District Commissioner of Kanungu, Ambroze Amanyire Mwesigye, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening health systems, improving accountability, and promoting food security and primary healthcare.
Kanungu District Health Officer, Dr. Birungyi Mutahunga Rwamatware, highlighted the importance of collective action and practical implementation of solutions to address the region’s health challenges.
During technical sessions, Dr. Mugahe Richard, Commissioner for Maternal and Child Health, reported progress in reducing maternal and infant deaths while urging greater investment in antenatal care and emergency obstetric services. Dr. Mutungyi, Commissioner for Non-Communicable Diseases, raised concerns about rising cases of hypertension, diabetes, and cancer, emphasizing the need for public awareness campaigns, early screening, and preventive interventions.
Key challenges identified include a shortage of health workers, limited medical supplies, weak referral systems, slow emergency response, a rising burden of non-communicable diseases, and inadequate infrastructure at lower-level health facilities. Proposed solutions focused on strengthening partnerships with development partners, recruiting and training more health workers, expanding community health education, adopting digital innovations, and lobbying for increased government funding.
Despite the challenges, participants praised the dedication of health workers, strong community support, and close collaboration with development partners as the region’s key strengths in advancing healthcare.
