Uganda and the United States (U.S.) have officially begun implementation efforts for a major health partnership after the first meeting of the newly established Joint Health Steering Committee (JHSC) was co-chaired by Minister for Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng and U.S. Ambassador to Uganda William W. Popp.

The committee will oversee the implementation of a five-year, $2.3 billion Health Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in December 2025 between Uganda and the United States.

According to information from the Ministry of Health, the JHSC will serve as the principal governance mechanism for the intended co-investment of more than $1.7 billion from the United States and $577 million from Uganda.

The partnership is focused on combating infectious diseases including malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and polio, while also improving maternal and child health services, strengthening Uganda’s health systems for global health security, and building institutional and workforce capacity aimed at increasing Uganda’s self-reliance.

Officials said the JHSC is expected to oversee successful execution of the MOU Implementation Plan once it is endorsed.

The implementation plan is expected to provide a detailed trajectory for the $410 million in U.S. health assistance during the first year, Uganda’s co-investment, and a rapid expansion of implementation through an intended government-to-government agreement designed to advance long-term sustainability.

The committee will also provide strategic oversight, ensure accountability, and align health programs with Uganda’s national priorities as well as applicable Ugandan and U.S. laws.

Both governments say the partnership reflects the principles of the Trump Administration’s America First Global Health Strategy through strengthened bilateral cooperation and efforts to address infectious disease threats affecting both countries by building local health system resilience.