Global Health Network (U)

About us

Who we are and what we do
GHN (U) was founded in November 2008 by a network of international researchers and activists. It began as a global health think-tank in the UK, and in 2010 was registered in Uganda as a charitable, not for profit, non-governmental organization; dedicated to a shared vision and goal: to promote, protect, and preserve the health of all Ugandans through leadership, partnership, innovation and concerted action in primary health care delivery.

GHN (U) has its roots deep in the most vulnerable populations in Uganda, and owes its genesis to the many health researchers and activists who have been concerned by the growing inequities in health over the last 25 years. GHN (U) believes that the best way to achieve health for all is through community-based innovations that enhance local capacity to prevent disease, as well as through the strengthening of local governance to ensure sustainability.

Headquarters and geographical scope
GHN (U) is headquartered at Makerere University in Kampala, and has a mandate to operate in 4 districts (Oyam, Apac, Dokolo and Budaka). However, the organisation plans to expand its program to the rest of the country as and when it can, especially to those districts that continue to struggle with negative health outcomes.

Approach and Strategy
GHN (U) works with rural communities and stakeholders to achieve ‘health for all’. Communities are the primary target of any development initiative, and our organization will collaborate with local government agencies, local and international organizations/NGOs, donor agencies, and the private sector to build on the synergies that exist, maximise utilization of limited resources, and improve health outcomes.

GHN (U)’s technical program focuses on ten major health areas:
• Social and behavioral change
• Reproductive health
• Healthcare services
• Water, sanitation, and hygiene
• Growth monitoring
• Nutrition support
• Immunization and treatment
• Malaria prevention, control, and treatment
• Program leadership, partnership, and coordination
• Monitoring and evaluation

GHN (U) also leverages its close relationship with Makerere University in order to conduct scientific research projects in the areas of health and environment. Our staff have extensive research experience, and works with a variety of partners to build evidence in support of effective public health programs.

GHN (U) is currently implementing an integrated child and maternal health project in Oyam district. Todate, through its community based project model, GHN (U) is proud to have saved lives of over 1700 helpless mothers and children in Oyam district, through safe deliveries and better child care. However, despite the overwhelming success given the project implementation period, the organization continues to face significant challenges of funding to be able to reach more vulnerable women and children in the district.