Health does not exist in isolation, it is shaped by a web of social, economic, and environmental factors that influence access to health care services. In Uganda, 30% of the population live below the poverty line with low doctor-patient ratio stands at 1:25,000, access to quality healthcare remains a significant challenge. The country continues to face a double burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases that include cardiovascular disease (CVD), Cancers, Diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPDs) and mental illness are on the increase due to life style factors such as unhealthy diets, harmful use of alcohol, tobacco use, substance abuse and physical inactivity. Uganda also has a high burden of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) that affect mainly the rural poor resulting in reduced socio-economic productivity, hence affecting the development of these populations.

In 2022, Uganda registered over 35,000 new cases of cancer. Additionally, mental, neurological, and substance use disorders are becoming a major public health burden, with depression, anxiety disorders, and elevated stress levels being the most common, sometimes leading to suicide attempts. Uganda has a prevalence of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) of 2.97%, which is higher than the global figure of 0.53%, and this is responsible for 17.8% of total mortality. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounts for 9.85% mortality, with 2% of premature CVD mortality attributable to tobacco. About 28.8% of the male population in Uganda and 22.9% of the female have hypertension way above the global figures. Depression and anxiety disorders are common mental disorders in Uganda, affecting approximately one in four persons. These health burdens are further exacerbated by poor performance on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) indicators including the high maternal mortality ratio, road traffic injuries, and climate-induced health threats, all of which demand urgent, innovative interventions beyond conventional healthcare delivery.

Recognizing that health outcomes are largely determined by factors outside of hospitals and clinics, UCHD 2025 will explore the social norms and cultural values, sociodemographic, economic, political and environmental factors that influence the distribution of health outcomes across the socio ecological sphere. The conference will challenge traditional approaches by showcasing the transformative potential of cross-sectoral action; biomedical to non-medical interventions, initiatives socio ecological models. It will examine the critical roles of other sectors including: education, agriculture, finance, housing and transportation, among others in advancing UHC and realizing the Right to Health for all. At a time when global politics are unpredictable, with shifting alliances and inconsistent policies, the conference recognizes how these uncertainties pose challenges for addressing health, security, and climate change. This unpredictable environment only makes it more important for Uganda to take a collaborative approach to health and development.

The conference will position Uganda as a regional leader in advancing health equity and health for all by addressing SDH which is crucial for health promotion, disease prevention, treatment/management, rehabilitation and palliative care. Health is more than medicine; it is equity, empowerment, and dignity. The future of healthcare must be people-centered, rights-driven, and resilient. UCHD 2025 will serve as a platform to shape this future, ensuring that Uganda, the African region, and the world move closer to achieving UHC and the broader development agenda.