CSOs task government to absorb PEPFAR staff

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have called upon government to absorb health workers that are under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Speaking at a meeting in Kampala recently, the CSOs said PEPFAR has been supporting many health workers in the country but for purposes of ownership, there is need for government to take responsibility of its people.

Currently, of the 2,632 health workers that were under PEPFAR, only 580 (22 per cent) health workers have been absorbed, 438 (17 per cent) left the system and the remaining 1605 (61 per cent) ae yet to be absorbed.

There is fear among CSOs that should PEPFAR pullout, there will be a crisis in the health sector especially as regards to HIV/AIDS. The CSO called government to gradually take on these health workers to ensure that they continue helping in the fight against HIV.

Sarah Tumwebaze

Media and Communications officer