Dear Ugandans, Today, on World Anaesthesia Day, we celebrate the transformative power of anaesthesia, a cornerstone of modern healthcare that makes safe surgery and critical care possible.
As an Anaesthetic Officer serving in Kakumiro District and a proud representative of Graduates at the Association of Anaesthesiologists of Uganda (AAU), I join hands with all anaesthesia providers across Uganda to honor this day under the global theme *”Anaesthesiology in Health Emergencies”.*
*The History of Anaesthesia in Uganda*
The journey of anaesthesia began on October 16, 1846, when William T. G. Morton demonstrated the use of diethyl ether at Massachusetts General Hospital, marking the birth of modern anaesthesia.
In Uganda, anaesthesia services have evolved significantly since the colonial era. Initially, surgeries relied on rudimentary techniques with minimal pain relief. The establishment of training programs, such as the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) at Makerere University and later specialized anaesthesia training, introduced physician anaesthesiologists.
The introduction of the Bachelor of Science in Anaesthesia at institutions like Busitema University further expanded access by training non-physician Graduate Anaesthetic Officers.
Various colleges in the country are training Advanced diploma in Anaesthesia who graduate as Assistant Anaesthetic officers, now form the backbone of anaesthesia services in rural and underserved areas.
*The Present: Anaesthesia Services Today*
Today, Uganda’s anaesthesia workforce comprises diverse cadres: physician anaesthesiologists (with Master of Medicine in Anaesthesia), Anaesthetic Officers (with a Bachelors of Anaesthesia), and assistant anaesthetic officers (with an advanced diploma in Anaesthesia), all working tirelessly to ensure safe surgery and emergency care.
With fewer than 1 anaesthetist per 100,000 people, far below the global WHO recommendation, our Anaesthetic Officers, numbering over 100 and Assistant Anaesthetic officers numbering over 600, bridge critical gaps, especially in rural and peri-urban Level V (General hospitals) level IV (Health center IVs) and upcountry Regional referral hospitals. We manage anaesthesia for emergencies, maternal care, and trauma, often under resource-constrained conditions.
The Association of Anaesthesiologists of Uganda (AAU) continues to advocate for better training, equipment, and recognition of all anaesthesia providers. This year’s theme highlights our pivotal role in health emergencies, from road traffic accidents to maternal complications, ensuring no patient suffers in pain.
*The Future:* *A Vision for Anaesthesia in Uganda*
Looking ahead, we envision a Uganda where every citizen has access to safe, affordable anaesthesia. This requires increasing the number of trained providers through expanded programs like the BSc Anaesthesia and MMed Anaesthesia, equipping facilities with modern tools, and integrating anaesthesia into national health policies.
As a Graduate Rep to AAU Executive Committee, I am committed to empowering communities and advocating for health equity, ensuring anaesthesia services reach even the most remote corners. I also aim to strengthen collaborations between physician and non-physician providers, fostering a unified workforce to meet Uganda’s growing surgical needs.On this World Anaesthesia Day, I salute all anaesthesia providers for their dedication and resilience.
To Ugandans, I urge you to support our efforts by advocating for better healthcare infrastructure and recognizing the unsung heroes who make pain-free surgery possible. Together, let us build a future where no one is left behind in accessing safe anaesthesia care.
*Happy World Anaesthesia Day!*
Turyatunga Nicholas.
Anaesthetic Officer, Kakumiro District | AAU Graduate Representative | CEO, Boypower Foundation Uganda.
