Ministry of Health and Uganda Heart Institute launch ADUNO programme in Oyam

20 August 2025, 5:03 pm

By Eman yonah oruk

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Uganda Heart Institute, has launched the ADUNO programme in Oyam District to combat heart disease, one of the leading health challenges in Northern Uganda.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held recently at the Oyam District Council Hall, the Director of the Uganda Heart Institute, Dr John Omagino, emphasised that heart disease is among the top causes of death in Uganda and must be addressed through proper treatment and prevention. He noted that losing lives to heart disease is both avoidable and unacceptable.

Dr Omagino explained that the Uganda Heart Institute is mandated to prevent and manage heart conditions, with rheumatic heart disease being one of the most severe, particularly among children. This condition affects the heart valves and can lead to premature death, often as early as age 15. He announced that the institute will conduct free screenings and surgeries for children at seven selected Health Centre IIIs across Oyam South and North.

He further revealed that one in every four adults suffers from hypertension, while data shows that three percent of school-going children are affected by rheumatic heart disease. He urged the public to engage in regular physical exercise, eat healthy foods, and seek medical check-ups to reduce the risk of heart disease.

In his closing remarks, Oyam Resident District Commissioner Sgt Shilako James thanked the government for bringing essential health services closer to the people. He pledged to work with district officials to mobilise parents to bring their children for screening and commended Anyeke Health Centre IV for hosting the programme.

Oyam District LC5 Chairperson Benson Walter Dilla Oyuku also expressed gratitude to the Uganda Heart Institute and the Ministry of Health for selecting Oyam District, noting that many residents suffer from heart disease unknowingly. He called on the institute to intensify efforts to reduce heart-related deaths.

District Inspector Benson Ongom shared a personal testimony, thanking the institute for saving his wife’s life. He encouraged the team to extend their outreach to schools, where many children may be silently suffering from heart conditions.

The ADUNO programme, which stands for Accelerating Delivery of Rheumatic Heart Disease Prevention in Northern Uganda, aims to improve early detection, treatment, and awareness of heart disease across the region.