Wellness With Her Club

Community Writing Prompt answered by Rianne Lelia Bateeze

Daily writing prompt

If you had the power to change one law, what would it be and why?

View all responses

To answer this question the best way I can, I shall do so in context to my country.

If I had the power to change one law in Uganda, I would advocate for the establishment of a Ministry or Department of Wellness. This dedicated body would not only be responsible for integrating wellness into national policies but also formalizing the certification and licensing of holistic health practitioners, ensuring standardized and safe practices across the country.

Current Wellness Landscape in Uganda

Uganda faces significant health challenges that underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to wellness. The exit of USAID further shows how seriously we need to approach our health and wellbeing as a country:

• Mental Health: Approximately 30% of Ugandans suffer from mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: A considerable portion of the population experiences nutritional challenges, with 25.4% of children under five years being stunted and 48.2% of children under five suffering from anemia.
• Reliance on Traditional Medicine: Over 60% of Ugandans depend on traditional herbal medicine due to its accessibility and cultural acceptance.

The Case for a Dedicated Wellness Ministry In Uganda

A Ministry of Wellness would:

1. Policy Integration: Develop and implement policies that promote holistic health, addressing physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
2. Standardization of Practices: Establish clear guidelines for the certification and licensing of holistic health practitioners, ensuring that services provided are safe and effective.
3. Public Education: Launch, mobilize for and monitor nationwide campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of wellness, preventive healthcare, and the benefits of holistic practices.
4. Research and Development: Encourage research into traditional and modern wellness practices to create evidence-based approaches tailored to Uganda’s unique cultural context.

Advancing Holistic Health Practitioner Certification

The certification and licensing of holistic health practitioners are crucial for several reasons:

• Ensuring Competence: Formal certification ensures that practitioners have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective care.
• Building Public Trust: Licensed practitioners are more likely to be trusted by the public, encouraging more individuals to seek holistic health services.
• Integrating Traditional Medicine: With a significant portion of the population relying on traditional medicine, formalizing the training and certification of traditional healers can enhance the quality of care provided.

Notably, steps have already been taken in this direction. In September 2024, the Natural Chemotherapeutics Research Institute (NCRI) graduated over 40 students in Occupational Herbalism, equipping them with credentials to manufacture, research, and prescribe herbal medicine. This initiative aligns with the Traditional and Complementary Medicine Act of 2019, which calls for regulated training to ensure the safety and efficacy of traditional medicine practices.

In conclusion, if I had the power to change one law in my country, establishing a Ministry of Wellness and continuing the formalizing and certification of holistic health practitioners would be one of the ways to go for Uganda. It would not only address current health challenges but also promote a more holistic approach to well-being, and ensure that all Ugandans have access to safe, effective, relatable, affordable, and culturally appropriate health services in this time and in our future.