Kitgum District has made remarkable strides in expanding access to healthcare, thanks to sustained government investment in infrastructure, staffing, and community health programs.

Currently, the district operates 27 public health facilities, including one General Hospital, one Health Center IV, 13 Health Center IIIs, and 12 Health Center IIs, a development that has significantly improved service delivery, especially in rural areas.

According to the District Health Officer, Alex Odwong, the past decade’s expansion of health facilities has made essential healthcare more accessible, leading to notable improvements in immunization, maternal care, and emergency services.

“Ten years ago, most parishes depended on health centers in neighboring sub-counties. Today, every major sub-county has a functioning facility offering key services such as immunization, antenatal care, and outpatient treatment,” Odwong said.

Despite this progress, Kitgum’s four newly created sub-counties which include Namokora, Namokora North, Omiya Anyima West, and Mucwini East are yet to receive public health facilities.

The district officials say plans are underway to extend services to these areas in the coming financial years.

District Chairperson Arwai Christopher Obol confirmed that the government has approved plans to build new Health Center IIs in undeserved sub-counties, ensuring every resident will soon have a health facility within easy reach.

“With the government’s approval for new Health Center IIs in undeserved sub-counties, we are confident that every resident will soon have a health unit within walking distance,” the district chairperson noted.

Kitgum Hospital, the district’s main referral facility, currently serves an estimated 200,000 people, including patients from neighboring districts. Under the Ministry of Health’s regional hospital strengthening program, the hospital has improved maternal delivery rates and immunization coverage.

According to the 2024 health performance report, immunization coverage in Kitgum stands at 78%, while skilled birth attendance has risen from 54% to 65% over the last year.

Health officials credit these gains to community health outreach programs and enhanced logistical support from government and development partners.

Odwong emphasized the importance of extending services to new sub-counties.

“The district has benefited from continuous government commitment to strengthen the health system. What remains is to ensure new administrative units are equally served so that the progress made is felt everywhere,” the District Health Officer stated.

Local leaders have praised the Ministry of Health for prioritizing primary healthcare and ensuring essential medicines reach even remote facilities.

They have pledged to mobilize communities to support the upcoming construction of new health units.

“As leaders, we appreciate the government’s effort to improve healthcare in Kitgum. Our goal now is to complement that work through community participation and health awareness,” Obol noted.

With the ongoing construction of new health centers and the expansion of services, Kitgum is on track to become one of northern Uganda’s best-performing districts, ensuring residents across all sub-counties have easier access to essential care and moving the district closer to achieving equitable, comprehensive healthcare for all.