The government has allocated over Ugx 1.8 billion for upgrading infrastructure facilities in five health facilities in Nabilatuk district through a loan from the government of Italy.
These facilities, which include Natirae Health Centre II, Nayonai-Angikalio Health Centre II, Lolachat Health Centre III, Lorengedwat Health Centre III, and Nabilatuk Health Centre IV, are set to undergo significant improvements.
The announcement was made by Sylvia Vicky Awas, the Nabilatuk District Woman Member of Parliament, during a community address in Nayoroit cell, Arengesiep ward, Nabilatuk town council.
Awas expressed appreciation to the government for selecting Nabilatuk district as a beneficiary, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on health services.
“Nabilatuk has been allocated Ugx 1.8 billion from the approved Italian loan of 10 euros, specifically designated for enhancing health sector infrastructure,” she stated. “We are currently in the process of selecting contractors. This support from the government is commendable, and we extend our gratitude to the President for his foresight and concern for Karamoja.”
She added, “We look forward to collaborating with the government during the implementation phase.”
The upgrade project aims to construct a theater, outpatient department, and medical store at Nabilatuk Health Centre IV, while the other facilities will receive standard outpatient departments.
Nabilatuk district, with a population of approximately 102,500 people, is serviced by six health facilities, comprising one HCIV, two HCIIIs, and three HCIIs. However, these facilities are primarily located along roads, posing challenges for residents in remote areas.
While 86% of the Ugandan population can access healthcare within a 5km radius, only 17% of Karamoja residents are within this recommended distance.
According to the Ministry of Health Facility inventory for 2018, communities in Karamoja have to walk between 20 and 30 km to access referral services.