Amref Health Africa in Uganda

Africa's leading health development organisation

[UNFPA @UNFPA]

Gloria Steinem changed the course of history by demanding equality, bodily autonomy, and human rights for every woman and girl.

Generations stand taller and aim higher because of the path she forged.

@UNFPA honours her lifetime of visionary leadership and unwavering advocacy.

[Amref Health Africa in Uganda @Amref_Uganda]

As the HEROES Programme comes to a close, we celebrate not only what has been achieved over the past six years, but also the systems, partnerships and local capacity strengthened to sustain these gains beyond the programme.

Speaking at the HEROES Programme closing ceremony, Mr. Bouwe-Jan, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Development Cooperation at the @NLinUganda, reflected on the importance of the partnership between the Netherlands, the Government of Uganda, Amref Health Africa, the HEROES Consortium, district authorities, and communities.

For the Netherlands, one of the most important lessons from HEROES has been the value of strengthening existing systems and institutions rather than creating parallel structures.

Through the programme, partners worked alongside districts, health facilities, communities and other stakeholders to strengthen the capacity required to ensure that essential services reach the people who need them most.

From sexual and reproductive health and rights to prevention and response to gender-based violence, disability inclusion, water, sanitation and hygiene, and support for vulnerable communities, HEROES has demonstrated what is possible when development cooperation is grounded in local ownership and strong partnerships.

As Mr. Bouwe-Jan noted, the conclusion of the programme should not be viewed simply as an ending.

It is a moment to ask how we sustain what has been achieved, strengthen what has been built, and ensure that communities continue to access the services and opportunities they deserve.

This is particularly important for women and girls, young people, persons with disabilities and survivors of gender-based violence whose needs remain and whose voices must continue to shape the services designed for them.

Sustainability therefore means more than maintaining project activities. It means stronger district systems, empowered local actors, capable health workers, resilient communities and continued commitment from government and development partners.

At Amref Health Africa in Uganda, we are proud to have been part of this six-year journey and to have worked alongside partners who share the commitment to advancing health, rights, dignity and opportunity for all.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of Uganda, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Embassy of Iceland, district authorities, the HEROES Consortium, health workers, community leaders, teachers, civil society organisations and the communities whose dedication made this work possible.

As HEROES reaches this important milestone, the work continues.

We carry forward the lessons, partnerships and strengthened systems building on what has been achieved to support healthier, more inclusive and resilient communities.
#HEROES4GTA #HEROESLegacy

[Amref Health Africa in Uganda @Amref_Uganda]

As the HEROES Programme comes to a close, we are reflecting on a journey defined by partnership, inclusion, resilience and action.

At the programme’s conclusion, Salma Oskarsdottir, Head of Cooperation and Deputy Head of Mission at the @IcelandinUganda , commended the Government of Uganda, the @NLinUganda, the HEROES Consortium, district authorities, community leaders, health workers, teachers and communities whose collective commitment made the programme possible.

Implemented to address some of the most pressing challenges affecting women, girls, young people, and persons with disabilities, HEROES brought together interventions across sexual and reproductive health and rights, prevention of sexual and gender-based violence, gender equality, disability inclusion, water, sanitation and hygiene, and economic empowerment.

A defining strength of the programme was its deliberate focus on people who are often left furthest behind including persons with disabilities, women and girls in remote communities, and survivors of violence.

As Salma Oskarsdottir noted:

“Inclusion is not an add-on but a prerequisite for lasting development.”

Through collaboration with government institutions, district authorities, civil society organizations, schools, health facilities and communities, the programme contributed to:

• Strengthening inclusive sexuality education for persons with disabilities
• Expanding access to water, sanitation and hygiene services
• Supporting cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination efforts
• Strengthening support for survivors of gender-based violence
• Equipping survivors with skills and opportunities for economic independence
• Building resilience and pathways towards reintegration and dignified livelihoods
For Amref Health Africa in Uganda, the close of HEROES is more than the conclusion of a programme. It is an opportunity to recognise what is possible when communities, government and development partners work together around shared priorities.
The gains made must now provide a foundation for continued action — ensuring that women, girls, young people, persons with disabilities and survivors of violence can continue to access the health, rights, opportunities and support they deserve.
We thank all partners, communities, health workers, teachers, district leaders and participants who contributed to this journey.
Together, we can build on these gains and ensure that no one is left behind.
#HEROES4GTA #HEROESLegacy

[Amref Health Africa in Uganda @Amref_Uganda]

Dr. Patrick Kagurusi, Country Director and Manager, @Amref_Uganda, has recognized the partners, districts, communities, and young people whose collective efforts made the programme's achievements possible.

Speaking at the HEROES4GTA close-out event in Bukhiende, Mbale District, Dr. Kagurusi described today's gathering as an important moment of transition.

For six years, the HEROES journey has been driven by a broad partnership involving government, district local governments, civil society, development partners, private-sector actors, community organisations, health workers and, most importantly, the young people and communities at the centre of the programme.

Dr. Kagurusi emphasised that Amref Health Africa and the HEROES consortium could not have delivered the programme alone.

“𝐀𝐬 𝐀𝐦𝐫𝐞𝐟, 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐮𝐦, 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞. 𝐖𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲.”

He acknowledged the contribution of the many partners who supported the programme, including organisations working across the private sector, referral networks, health and community systems, disability inclusion and youth empowerment.

But perhaps the most significant message from his remarks was about what happens after HEROES.

Dr. Kagurusi described the close-out as a transition of the HEROES “aircraft” from the team that managed the programme over the past six years to the districts now committing to carry its work forward.

This represents more than the end of a programme. It represents a shift towards local ownership, sustainability, and continued action.

The responsibility now moves to the districts, local governments, communities, and partners who have been part of the journey.

And his message was clear:

“Please do not drop the ball.”

As HEROES closes, the partnerships, knowledge, systems, networks, and community structures built over six years must continue to drive progress in sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender transformation and the prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence.

Dr. Kagurusi closed with a powerful reflection: while the programme may be transitioning, those who contributed to building stronger communities will remain “HEROES at heart.”

Six years of partnership. A transition to local ownership. A legacy that must continue.

#HEROES4GTA #HEROESLegacy

[Heroes for Gender Transformative Action @GenderHeroes]

WATCH👇
#WASH interventions under the @GenderHeroes program increasing #access to #safe clean water using Solar powered systems and providing safely constructed #sanitation facilities to communities in Kalangala. @IcelandinUganda @NLinUganda @Amref_Uganda
https://t.co/szoYDSrrJy

[Amref Health Africa in Uganda @Amref_Uganda]

Make time to scan this QR code and learn more about what the @GenderHeroes program was all about. We just transited it to communities and government. Quote from the Guest of Honour " If some one pushes you for six years ,when the stop pushing do you collapse and let all their dux year push go to waste"? @DrMugahi

[Amref Health Africa in Uganda @Amref_Uganda]

𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐄𝐎𝐏𝐋𝐄 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐘 𝐀𝐑𝐄.

Today in Bukiende Sub-county, Mbale District, the Ambassadors of the @NLinUganda , @IcelandinUganda and other key partners visited communities at the heart of the HEROES for Gender Transformative Action (@GenderHeroes ) Programme as we mark the close of six years of partnership and transformation.

The visit included a courtesy call at Bukiende Health Centre III, providing an opportunity to see how investments in local health systems have contributed to bringing essential, youth-friendly services closer to communities.

The Ambassadors also visited the Bukiende Advice Centre, a space where young people can access information and guidance on SRHR and SGBV while also gaining practical skills through hands-on projects.

This is what putting young people at the centre looks like: creating spaces where they can access information, build confidence, develop practical skills and make informed choices about their lives and futures.

As HEROES comes to the end of its six-year journey, these community spaces represent an important part of the programme's legacy investing not only in services, but in the knowledge, agency, and resilience of young people.

The journey continues beyond the programme.

#HEROES4GTA #HEROESLegacy

[Amref Health Africa in Uganda @Amref_Uganda]

As the HEROES for Gender Transformative Action Programme comes to the close of its six-year journey, the LC3 Chairperson of Bukhiende Sub-county has reflected on the significant changes the programme has brought to the community and the importance of sustaining those gains.

In his remarks, the Chairperson appreciated HEROES for supporting improved services and contributing to the wellbeing and livelihoods of communities in Bukhiende.

He highlighted the programme's role in strengthening community responses to SGBV, noting that cases that previously presented significant challenges have received greater attention and support through the structures established and strengthened under HEROES.

He also recognised the work of the HEROES team across schools and communities, as well as the support provided to people seeking assistance with SGBV-related challenges.

However, as the programme closes, he raised a critical concern: sustainability.

“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐢𝐧 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬.”

The Chairperson called for continued support and partnerships that can help communities maintain and build upon the progress made over the past six years.

For him, the end of HEROES should not mean the end of the work.

It should be a transition towards stronger local ownership, continued investment and new partnerships that can ensure the systems and community structures built through the programme continue serving the people of Bukhiende.

The programme may close. The responsibility to sustain its gains remains.
#HEROES4GTA #HEROESLegacy

[Amref Health Africa in Uganda @Amref_Uganda]

𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐒. 𝐎𝐍𝐄 𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐉𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍.

The #HEROES4GTA close-out in Bukiende, Mbale District, has brought together leaders and representatives from the districts where the programme has worked over the past six years.

From district to district, leaders have been sharing the stories of change witnessed within their communities—highlighting the work undertaken to strengthen health systems, empower young people, address sexual and gender-based violence, improve access to sexual and reproductive health information and services, and challenge harmful gender norms.

The experiences from the different districts have been captured and presented through exhibition boards, documenting the interventions, achievements and impact of HEROES4GTA.

These stories demonstrate that the programme's impact extends beyond individual beneficiaries. It has involved young people, health workers, teachers, community structures, local leaders and institutions, creating a network of people and systems capable of carrying forward the gains made.

As we celebrate six years of HEROES, the district stories provide an important reflection of what partnership can achieve when communities are empowered and local systems are strengthened.

The programme may be closing, but the experiences, knowledge, skills and systems built across these communities form an important part of the HEROES legacy.

Six years. Nine districts. A legacy built by communities.

#HEROESLegacy

[Amref Health Africa in Uganda @Amref_Uganda]

As part of the @GenderHeroes close-out activities in Bukiende, Mbale District, the Ambassadors of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Iceland in Uganda, alongside other key partners, visited the HEROES exhibition showcasing the work and innovations generated by communities and young people over the six-year journey.

At the exhibition, teenagers showcased skills and practical work developed through the programme, demonstrating how empowerment can go beyond providing information to creating opportunities for young people to learn, create and build confidence.

The exhibition also featured documentation on SRHR, SGBV and other programme interventions, presented in accessible formats that can be read and experienced by persons with visual impairments.

It is a powerful reminder that meaningful health information must not only be available it must be accessible and inclusive to everyone.

From skills development to accessible SRHR information, the exhibition reflects an important part of the HEROES legacy: putting young people and communities at the centre of solutions that affect their lives.

#HEROES4GTA #HEROESLegacy

[Amref Health Africa in Uganda @Amref_Uganda]

𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐆 𝐏𝐄𝐎𝐏𝐋𝐄 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐘 𝐀𝐑𝐄.

Today in Bukiende Sub-county, Mbale District, the Ambassadors of the @NLinUganda , @IcelandinUganda and other key partners visited communities at the heart of the HEROES for Gender Transformative Action (@GenderHeroes ) Programme as we mark the close of six years of partnership and transformation.

The visit included a courtesy call at Bukiende Health Centre III, providing an opportunity to see how investments in local health systems have contributed to bringing essential, youth-friendly services closer to communities.

The Ambassadors also visited the Bukiende Advice Centre, a space where young people can access information and guidance on SRHR and SGBV while also gaining practical skills through hands-on projects.

This is what putting young people at the centre looks like: creating spaces where they can access information, build confidence, develop practical skills and make informed choices about their lives and futures.

As HEROES comes to the end of its six-year journey, these community spaces represent an important part of the programme's legacy investing not only in services, but in the knowledge, agency, and resilience of young people.

The journey continues beyond the programme.

#HEROES4GTA #HEROESLegacy

[Amref Health Africa in Uganda @Amref_Uganda]

When young people have information, confidence, and access to quality services, they are better equipped to shape their own futures.

Through HEROES, 1,761,424 young girls, boys, men, and women were reached with information on sexuality, SRHR, SGBV, and life skills.

Comprehensive SRHR and SGBV knowledge increased from 44% to 63%, while 74.8% of participants demonstrated self-efficacy to negotiate reproductive health choices in relationships, compared with 41% at baseline.

Digital innovation also brought learning closer to young people, with 27,476 young people from 99 schools benefiting from the digital Journeys Plus programme.
As HEROES closes, the knowledge, confidence, and choices built over six years remain with a generation of young people.
#HEROES4GTA #YouthSRHR #GenderEquality #BetterHealth

[Amref Health Africa in Uganda @Amref_Uganda]

World's First Solar Ambulance - Stella Juva

Stella Juva is the world's first solar-powered ambulance, built by 23 students from Eindhoven University of Technology (Solar Team Eindhoven) in collaboration with Amref Health Africa.

It is not a conventional emergency ambulance. It works as a self-sustaining mobile clinic- bringing healthcare to patients, rather than taking patients to hospital.

Key features:
- Rooftop solar panels + extendable fold-out panels to charge while driving and stationary
- Powered entirely by sun, with a 50-kWh battery and 542 high-efficiency All Back Contact solar cells
- Range of up to 715 km (444 miles) on a sunny day, top speed 120 km/h, designed for off-road terrain
- Carries X-ray, ultrasound, defibrillator, fridge for vaccines, TB/malaria testing kits 63933f34ed15

Tested in Kenya: In August 2025, the team tested Stella Juva in Kenya covering 800+ km including Mosiro Clinic in Narok which has no electricity. While stationary, it generated more energy than it consumed using all medical equipment simultaneously, proving it can operate off-grid. The team estimates it could treat ∼200 people in 2 days. 6393

Why it matters: A third of Africans live >2 hours from health services, with unreliable electricity and expensive fuel. Stella Juva aims to solve that.

Read full story on CNN here:
https://t.co/OfvxTmhTrG

[Amref Health Africa in Uganda @Amref_Uganda]

💧 Water, dignity and keeping girls in school.

As we mark #WorldWaterWeek2026 under the theme “Water for People and Progress,” @Amref_Uganda celebrates another milestone in our partnership with @AbsaUganda .

Today,@MosesRutahigwa , Retail and Business Banking Director at Absa Bank Uganda, handed over a cheque of UGX 100 million to @Amref_Uganda on behalf of the Bank. The grant, raised through the fourth Absa KH3–7 Hills Run, will support Menstrual Hygiene Management, WASH facilities in schools and reusable sanitary pads for schoolgirls.

For us, this investment is about much more than infrastructure or menstrual products. It is about ensuring that girls have water, sanitation, privacy and the confidence to manage menstruation with dignity and stay in school.

Through our previous two Absa-supported grants totalling UGX 80 million, we reached 6,199 girls. This new investment gives us an opportunity to reach even more.

Thank you, @AbsaUganda , for continuing to run this journey with us.

Because water for progress must also mean water for girls, dignity and education. 💧

#AmrefHealthAfrica #AbsaBankUganda #7HillsRun #WASH #MenstrualHealth #GirlsEducation #KeepingGirlsInSchool

[Amref Health Africa @Amref_Worldwide]

As we celebrate #WorldWaterWeek2026, Margaret's story brings us closer to the lived experience of water access. For families that once spent countless hours searching for water, bringing safe water closer means more time to learn, work, and connect as a community. It transforms daily routines, improves household hygiene, and restores dignity. - #Water4PeopleAndProgress

#AmrefWASHImpact #WWWeek2026 @siwi_water @UN_Water @sanwatforall @Water @Amref_Uganda

[Amref Health Africa @Amref_Worldwide]

Every $1 invested in water and sanitation returns at least $7 to Africa’s economy. Universal access could add $86 billion a year in productivity and savings, boosting GDP by more than 5%. - #Water4PeopleAndProgress

#AmrefWASHImpact #WorldWaterWeek2026

[Amref Health Africa in Uganda @Amref_Uganda]

#Worldwaterweek

When climate change & topography become barriers to safe water.

In Oturulakoroa Village, Amuru District, families face prolonged drought, flooding & rocky ground that makes boreholes drilling fail.

The Result? Families share a shallow source with animals. For safer water, women & girls walk 3km daily carrying 20L jerrycans.

The cost: Girls miss school. Health risks rise. Long, lonely routes increase exposure to sexual violence & teenage pregnancy.

What starts as a water problem becomes an education, health & protection crisis.

But there IS a solution.

@Amref_Uganda has identified a viable source nearby. A solar-powered piped system can bring water home to Oturulakoroa.

Cost: More than pipes. It’s girls in school. Women safer. Families healthier. Climate resilience.

The water exists. Tech exists. The Communities are ready. We need partners to fund this venture.

Let’s bring water home.

#WaterForClimate #WASH #waterandPeopleProgress

[Amref Health Africa @Amref_Worldwide]

𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄: 𝟐𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 #𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐒𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚

Join this landmark virtual event to witness Africa’s bold, locally led action against antimicrobial resistance (#AMR). Hear from partners, discover powerful solutions, and see how we’re building resilient health systems and protecting life-saving treatments.

Register now: https://t.co/fPM52B7eYL

#GlobalHealth

[Amref Health Africa in Uganda @Amref_Uganda]

💧 #WorldWaterWeek2026 | Water for People and Progress

In Mulabana, Kalangala District, being surrounded by Lake Victoria did not mean access to safe water.

Through the #HEROES programme, @Amref_Uganda, with support from the Government of Iceland, is changing this reality.

A solar-powered system now draws water from Lake Victoria, purifies it and distributes safe water to communities, Mulabana Primary School, Mulabana Secondary School and Mulabana Health Centre II reaching over 8,000 people.

The impact goes far beyond water:
Children spend less time fetching water and more time in school.
Women and girls face fewer risks associated with long journeys to the lakeshore.
Schools, households and health facilities have improved hygiene and sanitation.
Families gain time for livelihoods and productive activities.

This is what #WaterForPeopleAndProgress means: investing in water to unlock better health, education, safety, dignity and economic opportunity.

We celebrate the @IcelandinUganda @GovUganda @NLinUganda and our partners for investing in solutions that create #LastingHealthChange.

#WASH #SafeWater #Uganda #Kalangala #SDG6 #GenderEquality.

[Amref Health Africa @Amref_Worldwide]

In Namikuwo Village, Machinga, Malawi 🇲🇼, safe #water is transforming lives, bringing hope, dignity, and new opportunities to every family.

Margaret George and her daughter, Anita, remember the exhaustion of sunrise journeys for water and the constant worry over its safety. Today, with clean water nearby, their mornings begin with laughter instead of long treks, and their futures feel brighter.

Their journey shows how safe water restores health, frees up precious time, and unlocks a world of possibilities for families and entire communities.

@amref_malawi leads this life-changing project alongside the Machinga and Zomba District Councils, with key support from the Made Blue Foundation through @Amref_NL.

Join us in ensuring every community has access to safe, clean water.

#AmrefWASHImpact #WWWeek2026 #WorldWaterWeek2026

[Amref Health Africa in Uganda @Amref_Uganda]

@NLinUganda @AngeleSamura You are most welcome to the Pearl of Africa. @AngeleSamura Enjoy your stay. We look forward to hosting you at any of our projects. Here is a QR code to our 2025 annual report that will give you an insight about our work in Uganda