Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero is a distinguished public health leader, Senior Consultant Pediatrician, and policymaker, currently serving as Uganda’s Minister of Health and Woman Member of Parliament for Lira City. With a career spanning both clinical and administrative leadership, she holds degrees in Medicine (MBChB), Pediatrics (MMED), Public Health, and Public Administration and Management. Before her ministerial appointment in 2016, she served as Director General of Health Services, where she played a pivotal role in strengthening Uganda’s healthcare system. Dr. Aceng has been instrumental in Uganda’s response to major public health emergencies, including Ebola, Marburg, and COVID-19, where her strategic, data-driven leadership earned international recognition.

A champion for universal health coverage and community-based healthcare, Dr. Aceng has advocated for investments in primary healthcare, disease prevention, and well-trained Community Health Workers to improve health outcomes across Uganda. Her commitment to global health diplomacy has been demonstrated through her role as Vice President for WHO-AFRO at the 72nd Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa, where she influenced policy decisions benefiting African nations. Through her visionary leadership, Uganda has expanded vaccination programs, improved healthcare infrastructure, and strengthened public-private partnerships to ensure accessible and quality healthcare for all.