In Uganda’s rural health system, medicine supply chains are often constrained by weak oversight and coordination. Medicines and Therapeutics Committees (MTCs), which guide procurement and promote rational medicine use, frequently face challenges such as unclear roles, irregular meetings, and limited institutional support. As a result, stockouts of essential medicines for maternal, newborn, and child health services remain common.
Between October and November 2025, targeted efforts were undertaken to revitalize MTCs across health facilities in Busoga and Rwenzori. Committees were reconstituted, roles clarified, and facility leadership engaged to support regular meetings. Teams also reviewed medicine consumption data from July 2024 to June 2025 to strengthen planning and decision-making around MNCH commodities.
The process revealed continued reliance on external support, limited facility-level financing, and persistent stockouts of medicines such as ceftriaxone. At the same time, the introduction of neonatal intensive care (NICU) equipment increased demand for specialized consumables, further exposing gaps in planning and supply alignment.
In response, facilities updated their essential medicines lists and began planning for the 2026/27 budget cycle to better reflect actual needs. Priority actions include strengthening capacity on rational medicine use, increasing MNCH budget allocations, integrating NICU consumables into procurement plans, and improving supply chain responsiveness. Continued mentorship will be key to sustaining progress.
Strengthening MTCs is critical to improving governance, coordination, and accountability within health facilities. Ultimately, these efforts will help ensure consistent access to lifesaving medicines and better health outcomes for mothers and children.