The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Diana Atwine, has emphasized the critical role of community involvement in health promotion and disease prevention. This was during the recent three-day 3rd National Health Promotion Conference happening at Speke Restort-Munyonyo running from October 16-18, 2024.

The conference focuses on exploring innovative strategies, digital transformations, sustainable practices, and effective partnerships to build robust health systems capable of preventing diseases and enhancing community well-being.

Dr. Atwine highlighted effective health promotion, which requires a structured approach that reaches the community directly.

“This involves not only educating communities but also gathering accurate data, intervening, and integrating at the household level,” she said.

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She noted that community-level interventions are essential as they empower individuals and groups to take control of their lives.

According to Dr. Atwine, there is a link between health and economic progress.

“We cannot achieve economic progress if we have a high disease burden, and we need the communities to help us. Therefore, investing in health promotion not only improves individual well-being but also enhances overall economic stability,’’ Atwine said.

Atwine’s call to action highlights the necessity of engaging communities to achieve sustainable health outcomes, particularly in light of the high disease burden that hampers economic progress.

She further revealed that community health awareness is an important aspect of public health that focuses on educating and empowering individuals and communities about health issues and healthy living practices.

“Communities may work together to promote wellness, prevent disease, and assist people in making educated health decisions by raising awareness,” Atwine pointed out.

While at the official opening of the 3rd Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Conference on October 16, 2024, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja who was the chief guest, expressed gratitude to the organizers and partners for their shared resolve to build on the achievements of the previous health promotion conferences and address new challenges with creative solutions.