Global Health Security (GHS)

Disease outbreaks can spread rapidly widely, overwhelming health systems, disrupting economies, and claiming countless lives. Uganda’s geographical location in the tropical belt of the Congo basin—an epidemic hotspot—and along cattle corridor, makes it especially vulnerable to these threats. Inspired by our vision of a world where children and their families live healthy and fulfilled lives, Baylor Foundation Uganda expanded its scope in 2017 to include the Global Health Security (GHS) Program.

The COVID-19 pandemic tested global preparedness like never before. For us, it was not just a wake-up call—it was a reaffirmation that every data point is a human life with dreams and hopes. With support from development partners, we rose to the occasion to support Uganda’s national response. Our objective still remains: to build and strengthen the country’s core public health capacities under the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005)– a framework designed to help countries prevent, detect, and respond swiftly to public health threats.

OUR FOCUS AREAS

Strengthening disease surveillance systems

We build the capacity of frontline response teams, including national emergency operation centres, district-level surveillance personnel and field epidemiologists to investigate and record cases. The utilization of this data has informed strategic responses in affected areas enabling us to contain outbreaks within the shortest time possible. Additionally, through equipping community health resource persons with knowledge and skills to identify and report cases, helping the country to build a resilient frontline health system that can rapidly contain threats before they escalate.

Improving laboratory management systems

We support laboratories in in regional and district hospitals using globally recognized tools like SLMTA (strengthening laboratory management towards accreditation) and LQMS (laboratory quality management system). By building capacity in laboratory diagnostics, reporting, and specimen transport systems, we are ensuring timely and accurate disease detection, a cornerstone of outbreak response.

Strengthening Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Stewardship

Through the Fleming Fund Country Grant II, we are implementing a One Health collaborative and multisectoral approach – bridging human health, animal health and environmental health – to prevent, slow down, and control the spread of drug-resistant infections threatening decades of medical progress – a silent epidemic that we need to stop before it is too late.   

Scaling Up Immunization

Through vaccination programs, we are supporting the Uganda Expanded Program on Immunization (UNEPI) to increase immunization coverage against routine immunizable diseases like including Tuberculosis (TB), Diphtheria, Whooping Cough (Pertussis), Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis B, Haemophilus Influenzae Type B,  Measles, Rotavius for diarrhea and vomiting, Cervical Cancer, Yellow Fever, Malaria with the aim of reducing morbidity and mortality among children through equitable access to vaccines.

Supporting Ebola Survivors

Our work with the National Ebola Survivors Program ensures that holistic care is provided to individuals recovering from the Sudan Ebola Virus Disease (SUDV). This care includes ongoing medical care, mental health services, and psychosocial support to address lasting complications such as neurological disorders, vision problems, memory loss, musculoskeletal pain, and viral persistence in bodily fluids.

Infection Prevention and Control (IPC)
Through targeted trainings and hands-on mentorship guided by WHO’s core IPC components, we empower health workers and strengthened healthcare facilities to implement effective infection prevention and control measures. We also support healthcare facility assessments to ensure compliance with standard practice to reduce the risk of disease transmission – creating safer environments for patients and healthcare providers alike.

Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE)
We implement a dynamic, multi-channel communication strategy—leveraging broadcast media, community dialogues, and the influence of trusted local leaders—to raise awareness about disease symptoms and prevention. By actively involving communities, we inspire their participation to fight and control disease outbreaks.