Over the past three years, north-eastern Uganda (Karomoja, Teso and Lango) has faced several public health challenges due to drought, with Moroto, Kaabong and Karenga districts being the most affected. These challenges include food insecurity leading to malnutrition and disease outbreak. A survey conducted in April 2022 revealed that 6% of households in Karamoja were severely food insecure, while 52% were moderately food insecure.

In December 2022, World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration provided in-kind contributions of medical supplies worth 1,123,672 (equivalent to UGX 4.1 billion) to the Ministry of Health to address the health consequences of the drought and food insecurity affecting more than 19 districts in Karamoja, Lango and Teso regions of Uganda. The medical supplies handed over included drugs and diagnostic reagents for malaria, tuberculosis (TB), cholera, yellow fever, measles, meningitis and sexually transmitted infections, among others. This donation will ensure the continuity of essential health services, including malaria, maternal, newborn and child health, nutrition, tuberculosis and HIV, at the health facility and community levels, while addressing malnutrition among the vulnerable.