Dr.Dithan Kiragga to be inducted in the 2024 Uganda Development Champions Journal as Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Uganda is recognized With the Responsible Investment Global Certification Award by Public Opinions.
By Public Opinions | Web: www.publicopinions.net | Tel: +256774992426
Dr. Dithan Kiragga was honored by Public Opinions with the Responsible Investment Global Certification Award as a Uganda Health Sector Transformation Champion. He is set to be inducted in the 2024 Uganda Development Champions Journal in appreciation of her contribution towards attainment of Uganda Vision 2040 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Dithan Kiragga (MBCHB (MUK), MPH (Liverpool), and MSC (London) is the Executive Director of Baylor Foundation Uganda.
He is a public health Physician who brings to Baylor Foundation Uganda 20+ years of experience in technical leadership and management of complex health programs in Africa and Asia. Previously, he was the Chief of Party (COP) for the USAID Regional Health Integration to Enhance Services in the North, Acholi (RHITES-N, Acholi). Dr. Kiragga provided technical and managerial oversight for USAID/Uganda’s Health and HIV/AIDS project implementation across eight districts in Acholi, as well as leadership for the rollout of USAID’s Quality Improvement Collaborative across all regions of Uganda.
Prior to his work on RHITES-N, Acholi,Dr. Kiragga was the COP of the USAID/Uganda Private Health Support Program (PHSP) and the Health Initiatives for the Private Sector (HIPS) Project, where he spearheaded service delivery, public-private partnerships (PPPs) and OVC programs across the country. Under the HIPS project and together with key professionals, he established the Uganda Healthcare Federation (UHF), an umbrella group for the private sector in Uganda.
Early in his career, Dr. Kiragga managed critical health service infrastructure rehabilitation and the establishment of functional health systems on World Bank post-conflict projects in East Timor and Rwanda, grounding his understanding of programmatic implementation in fragile settings. From District Director of Health Services to senior-level technical advisory and management positions on four US government projects, Plan Uganda and World Bank projects, Dr. Kiragga has fostered and maintained collaborative working relationships with USAID, CDC, GOU, MOH, and its related agencies, international and local implementing partners, and other key stakeholders and has successfully built coalitions to deliver results. A native of Uganda, Dr. Kiragga has a MBCHB (MUK), MPH (Liverpool), MSC (London), and is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Health at Walden University, USA.
Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Uganda (Baylor Foundation Uganda) is a leading 
provider of comprehensive healthcare services in Uganda. Established in 2006, the organization aims to reduce morbidity and mortality from infectious and non-communicable diseases through high-quality family-centered healthcare, education, and research. Baylor Foundation Uganda’s dedication to healthcare has earned it the Uganda Responsible Investment Global Certification Award. The organization’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services has made a significant impact in Uganda, and its efforts continue to improve the lives of thousands of individuals and communities.
Baylor Foundation Uganda operates in five regions, covering 45 districts and three cities, and has supported the Ministry of Health in improving health security and building international health regulations.The organization has made significant contributions to HIV care, supporting 196,470 HIV-positive clients across 631 health facilities. Notably, 93% of these clients have achieved viral suppression. Baylor Foundation Uganda also runs the largest single HIV pediatric, adolescent, and youth clinic in Uganda and hosts the National Pediatric and Adolescent HIV/TB Call Center.In addition to its healthcare services, Baylor Foundation Uganda has achieved accreditation for its laboratory from the College of American Pathologists and has refurbished regional laboratories to meet Ministry of Health standards. Fourteen of its laboratories have achieved ISO 15189:2021 accreditation, and six have achieved WHO-SLIPTA certification.
Baylor Foundation Uganda operates in five regions of Uganda covering 45 districts and 3 cities. Baylor Foundation Uganda is also implementing a multi-country Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) award with Deloitte for one year in Malawi. The initiative will be expanded to Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda subsequently.
Baylor Foundation Uganda is providing support to 196,470 HIV positive clients who are served at 631 health facilities (HFs) in 47 districts and 4 cities in the five regions of Uganda. Out of the HIV-positive clients, 6,829 children are aged 0–9 years; 17,510 are adolescents aged 10–19 years; and 172,131 are adults over 20 years, with an average viral suppression rate of 93%. Baylor Foundation Uganda also runs the Baylor Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence (COE), located at Mulago National Referral Hospital. This is the largest single HIV pediatric, adolescent, and youth clinic in Uganda. In addition, Baylor-Uganda hosts the National Pediatric and Adolescent HIV/TB Call Center, a toll-free consultation service for health workers and clients in the provision and access to HIV/TB comprehensive services.
Baylor Foundation Uganda obtained accreditation for its COE laboratory from the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and refurbished all its supported regional laboratories to achieve the Ministry of Health infrastructural standards. Fourteen out of 20 Baylor Foundation Uganda laboratories have achieved ISO 15189:2021 accreditation by South African National Accreditation Scheme (SANAS). Additionally, 6/6 (100%) remaining laboratories have achieved at least star 3 of the WHO-SLIPTA certification process by the African Society of Laboratory Medicine (ASLM).
Baylor Foundation Uganda has conducted numerous research studies with support with several partners. This research has informed policy, including (1) the WHO 2019 dolutegravir paediatric dosing guidelines and have led to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of adult dosing down to 20 kg and (2) Cabotegravir was also approved on 20th December 2021 by the FDA as a long-acting cabotegravir injection (CAB LA shots) to prevent HIV in adults and adolescents (youths), and reduce acquisition of HIV among high-risk populations.
Baylor Foundation Uganda has supported MOH to provide consultancy services for clinical skills updates and mentorship for reproductive, maternal, new-born, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) professionals in the mid-Western Region in 17 districts and 2 cities of the Rwenzori and Bunyoro sub-regions to ensure proficiency in providing emergency obstetric and neonatal care. Baylor Foundation Uganda has also built local research infrastructure with the capacity to do vaccine studies; carry out research in clinical infectious disease, epidemiology, and cancer; and has enhanced the critical mass of skilled researchers, particularly young scientists, through established training.
Baylor Foundation Uganda has supported MOH to improve health security and build international health regulations and core capacities to prevent, detect and respond to public health threats and emergencies. Baylor Foundation Uganda also setup the Fort Portal Regional Emergency Operation Centre (REOC) located and managed by the regional referral hospital. Additionally, the Ministry of Health is implementing the National Ebola Survivors’ Program with support from Baylor Foundation Uganda. The program aims to provide medical, mental health, and psychosocial support services to Ebola survivors to facilitate their full recovery from the after-effects of the Sudan Ebola virus disease and reintegration in their communities.
The 10 Achievements of Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation Uganda (Baylor Foundation Uganda)
- Baylor Foundation Uganda supports 196,470 HIV-positive clients across 631 health facilities, with a 93% viral suppression rate.
- The organization runs the largest single HIV pediatric, adolescent, and youth clinic in Uganda, serving 6,829 children and 17,510 adolescents.
- 14 of Baylor Foundation Uganda’s laboratories have achieved ISO 15189:2021 accreditation, and 6 have achieved WHO-SLIPTA certification.
- Baylor Foundation Uganda’s research has informed global policy, including WHO guidelines and FDA approvals for antiretroviral medications.
- The organization has refurbished regional laboratories to meet Ministry of Health standards, improving healthcare infrastructure.
- Baylor Foundation Uganda has supported the Ministry of Health in providing consultancy services for reproductive, maternal, new-born, child, and adolescent health professionals.
- The organization has built local research infrastructure, enabling vaccine studies, clinical infectious disease research, and cancer research.
- Baylor Foundation Uganda has enhanced the critical mass of skilled researchers, particularly young scientists, through established training programs.
- The organization has supported the Ministry of Health in improving health security and building international health regulations, including setting up the Fort Portal Regional Emergency Operation Centre.
- Baylor Foundation Uganda is supporting the Ministry of Health’s National Ebola Survivors’ Program, providing medical, mental health, and psychosocial support services to Ebola survivors.
The 5 reasons why the Government of Uganda is impressed with the work of Baylor Foundation Uganda:
- Baylor Foundation Uganda’s work aligns with Uganda’s National Health Strategy, supporting the country’s health development goals.
- The organization’s operations in 5 regions, covering 45 districts and 3 cities, demonstrate its ability to scale up services and reach marginalized communities.
- Baylor Foundation Uganda’s partnerships with the Ministry of Health, CDC, and other organizations showcase its ability to collaborate and leverage resources for greater impact.
- The organization’s commitment to high-quality, family-centered care has earned it international recognition and accreditation, setting a standard for healthcare services in Uganda.
- Baylor Foundation Uganda’s efforts to build local capacity, infrastructure, and research capabilities ensure that its impact will be sustained beyond its direct involvement.
Baylor Foundation Uganda is a leading healthcare provider, delivering comprehensive, family-centered care to vulnerable populations. Established in 2006, the organization has made significant strides in HIV care, laboratory services, research, and capacity building. With operations in 5 regions, Baylor Foundation Uganda has improved healthcare infrastructure, supported the Ministry of Health, and enhanced the lives of thousands of individuals and communities, becoming a beacon of hope for Uganda’s healthcare system.
The 10 reasons why Dr. Dithan Kiragga was recognized by Public Opinions:
- Kiragga’s visionary leadership as Executive Director of Baylor Foundation Uganda has driven significant healthcare improvements, transforming the organization into a leading healthcare provider.
- His extensive experience in public health, technical leadership, and management of complex health programs has enhanced healthcare services, ensuring effective solutions.
- Kiragga’s expertise has driven Uganda’s health sector transformation, aligning with Vision 2040 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
- As Chief of Party for USAID projects, Dr. Kiragga successfully implemented health and HIV/AIDS projects across Uganda, improving healthcare services.
- He spearheaded the establishment of the Uganda Healthcare Federation, a critical umbrella group for the private sector in Uganda, promoting public-private partnerships.
- Kiragga’s experience in rehabilitating health service infrastructure and establishing functional health systems has improved healthcare delivery in fragile settings.
- He has fostered strong partnerships with USAID, CDC, MOH, and other stakeholders, driving results through collective action and effective collaboration.
- Kiragga has built coalitions and strengthened capacities of local partners, ensuring sustainable healthcare solutions and effective program implementation.
- His leadership in rolling out USAID’s Quality Improvement Collaborative across Uganda has enhanced healthcare quality, ensuring better patient outcomes.
- Kiragga’s unwavering commitment to improving healthcare services, especially for vulnerable populations, has made a lasting social impact in Uganda, earning him recognition as a Uganda Health Sector Transformation Champion.
Description of Dr Kiragga
Dr. Dithan Kiragga is a visionary leader and public health luminary, transforming Uganda’s healthcare landscape through his unwavering dedication and expertise. With over 20 years of experience, he has driven significant improvements in healthcare services, fostering collaborative partnerships and building capacities of local stakeholders. His leadership as Executive Director of Baylor Foundation Uganda has been instrumental in improving healthcare access and quality, especially for vulnerable populations. Dr. Kiragga’s commitment to social impact and quality improvement inspires a brighter future for Ugandan communities, cementing his legacy as a champion of healthcare transformation and a beacon of hope for a healthier tomorrow.
Public Opinions
Kampala, Uganda
Web:www.publicopinions.net
Nominations:+256774992426)
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