Uganda to host global experts for 11th annual adolescent health conference

10 November 2025, 4:57 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

Uganda is set to take center stage in global discussions on adolescent health as experts from around the world converge in Kampala for the 11th Annual Conference of the Society of Adolescent Health.

The two-day event, scheduled for November 11–12 at the Golden Tulip Hotel, will bring together pediatricians, researchers, policymakers, and advocates to share insights, celebrate progress, and chart new paths for improving the wellbeing of young people. This year’s conference runs under the theme “Adolescent Health: Fostering Wellness through Collaborations.

Dr. Sabrina Kitaka, a pediatrician and one of the conference co-chairs, said the gathering will reflect on Uganda’s journey in adolescent health training and service delivery. “The youth today are more informed and empowered to make better health choices. That’s a great achievement worth celebrating,” Dr. Kitaka noted during a media engagement ahead of the event.

One of the pioneers in this field, Dr. Joseph Lujumba, a senior lecturer at Makerere University’s Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, helped establish Uganda’s first adolescent clinics in 2013. He says the country has made remarkable progress in attracting young people to youth-friendly health services.

“The numbers are growing, and we are pulling the youth towards us through more accessible and friendly services,” Dr. Lujumba explained.

International partners have also taken note of Uganda’s strides. Dr. David L. Bell, a professor at Columbia University in the United States, praised Uganda’s leadership in adolescent health, saying the U.S. looks to Uganda for “inspiration and collaboration.”

Retired associate professor Betsy Pfeffer emphasized the crucial role of parents, saying they must be part of the solution in ensuring adolescents access quality healthcare and support.