History, evolution and future of environmental health in Uganda

Abstract

This article explores the history and evolution of Environmental Health in Uganda under four key themes: training and practice; research; governance, policy and regulatory framework; and challenges. The article also describes the future of the profession. Through a review of documents and key informant interviews, it is noted that Environmental Health in Uganda dates back to colonial times when the country was affected by diseases including plague, trypanosomiasis and small pox. Concerted efforts were advanced to train cadres that would improve the sanitation status and address the prevailing disease burden. Over several decades, the Environmental Health profession has evolved in many areas of training, practice, research and governance, policy and legal framework amidst several challenges. The future of Environmental Health in Uganda will require more advanced training and research, broadened practice, and streamlined governance.

Keywords: Environmental health; Uganda; evolution; future; history.