The government has reassured environmental health sciences students currently in school to remain focused, as the Ministry of Health has guaranteed job security for their future careers.
The assurance was made by Dr. Herbert Nabaasa, Commissioner for Health Services in Charge of Environmental Health, during his address at the 20th Annual Scientific Conference of the Makerere University Environmental Health Students Association (MUEHSA).
The event took place at the university’s new auditorium under the theme: “Integrating Climate Change Mitigation and One Health Strategies: Youth-Driven Innovation for Sustainable Development.”
Dr. Nabaasa informed attendees that, after extensive lobbying by stakeholders in the environmental health sector, the Ministry of Health recognized the importance of the sector and took significant steps to structure the department.
He said this restructuring has led to the creation of jobs at various levels, from regional referral hospitals down to district Health Centre III.
He encouraged students to work hard, noting that President Yoweri Museveni had acknowledged the crucial role the environmental health sector plays, especially in combating viral diseases like Ebola, Marburg, Mpox, and cholera, which are often linked to environmental degradation.
In response, the Ministry of Health has fully supported the initiative to structure and strengthen the environmental health division by creating more vacancies where graduates can be deployed across all levels of health service delivery to address these challenges under the “One Health” initiative.
Dr. Nabaasa also highlighted the growing risk of diseases due to increased interaction between animals and humans.
He urged citizens to prioritize access to clean water, hygiene, and sanitation, as these are essential resources in reducing the burden of disease.
To further support these efforts, the department has established a coordination unit aimed at helping stakeholders share knowledge and skills in combating these challenges.
The conference also celebrated Dr. David Musoke, a senior lecturer at the College of Public Health, who was elected president of the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH) for the 2026-2028 term. This development gives Uganda a significant voice in addressing global environmental health issues.
Additionally, the new executive committee of MUEHSA was sworn in, with Mutuwa Rachel Cynthia taking the helm. She pledged to work diligently to ensure the association achieves its strategic development goals. Mutuwa also commended the leadership of the College, particularly Dean Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, for providing the necessary resources to support students in their mission to serve the nation.
