Uganda lost 604 billion shillings for healthcare after President Trump cut all foreign aid. He signed an order on January 20, 2025, wiping out money for HIV/AIDS, malaria, and TB programs. Health Minister Dr. Ruth Aceng told lawmakers Friday that the cuts also stopped funding for nutrition services and paychecks for many health workers.
Dr. Aceng listed what vanished: $243.2 billion from HIV/AIDS care, $121 billion from malaria prevention, $67.8 billion from health staff pay, $60.2 billion from TB treatment, $36.9 billion from health data systems, and $22.2 billion from medical waste cleanup. These cuts matter because 1.3 million Ugandans take HIV drugs funded by America through PEPFAR. Only 26,000 people had those medicines back in 2004.
Malaria remains deadly across Uganda every month. Medical reports show Uganda faces one of the highest rates anywhere - 478 sick people out of every 1,000 each year. This disease killed around 17,556 Ugandans in 2022. The Health Ministry began moving these services into everyday clinics as a quick solution.
The government created plans but needs funds right away. Dr. Aceng asked Parliament to find the money inside Uganda fast. She pushed for Uganda to handle healthcare without foreign help. Her urgent request proves that Uganda must build local funding to keep essential health services running smoothly.
Dr. Aceng listed what vanished: $243.2 billion from HIV/AIDS care, $121 billion from malaria prevention, $67.8 billion from health staff pay, $60.2 billion from TB treatment, $36.9 billion from health data systems, and $22.2 billion from medical waste cleanup. These cuts matter because 1.3 million Ugandans take HIV drugs funded by America through PEPFAR. Only 26,000 people had those medicines back in 2004.
Malaria remains deadly across Uganda every month. Medical reports show Uganda faces one of the highest rates anywhere - 478 sick people out of every 1,000 each year. This disease killed around 17,556 Ugandans in 2022. The Health Ministry began moving these services into everyday clinics as a quick solution.
The government created plans but needs funds right away. Dr. Aceng asked Parliament to find the money inside Uganda fast. She pushed for Uganda to handle healthcare without foreign help. Her urgent request proves that Uganda must build local funding to keep essential health services running smoothly.
