The Uganda Diaspora Health Foundation was conceived in 2011 in order to better integrate the expertise of UK based Ugandan nationals. Whilst many Ugandans had been involved in project and hosting work with the Butabika Link, it was felt that formal diaspora links would provide greater opportunities for involvement and leadership in future work.
Acknowledging the importance of addressing broader inter-related physical and social healthcare needs, the group has since expanded to include a wider range of health professionals and members with a variety of skills both in the UK and Uganda.
Objectives:
- To raise awareness of the need to promote mental health and wellbeing from the cultural sensitive context
- To act as an expert reference group on modern mental health for other partnerships and organisations.
- To raise awareness of mental health issues and promote social inclusion.
- To promote an integrated approach to mental health and physical health
- Put in place plans and advice to support the responsible authorities implementing mental health strategies at both local and international level
- Promote mental health research in Uganda
- Establish performance/outcome measures that will indicate progress in achieving set objectives and standards
- Identify fundraising activities and carry them out in conjunction with Butabika Link.
Key Deliverables:
- To advise on matters as appropriate including current and emerging issues, trends and themes relating to mental health issues, and raising awareness of these matters among stakeholders.
- Advise on short and longer term priorities within the strategy and any necessary focus as implementation progresses.
- Evidence-based interventions for achieving the standards and service models to illustrate examples of best practice in UK and Uganda.
- To oversee the implementation of agreed mental health programmes, which are endorsed by Butabika Link.
- Recommendations for performance/outcome measures that can be used for measuring progress towards achievement of set objectives and standards.
- Oversee and assist in communication of and advocacy for key messages and activities.
- Identify opportunities for new enhanced partnerships among stakeholders and where necessary clarify roles and responsibilities.
Membership
- Membership consists of selected individuals who have a range of experience relevant to healthcare and outcomes.
- Members are not expected to formally represent delivery agencies; they will be selected on the basis of their experience and abilities to contribute to the achievement of Ugandan Diaspora Group's objectives.
For more information about the Uganda Diaspora Health Foundation or to find out how to join please visit www.Ugandadiasporahealthfoundation.org or contact Co-Founders: Moses Mulimira Moses.Mulimira@hotmail.co.uk or Mariam Aligawesa ohmariam@hotmail.com