In April 2025, the ‘Missing Billion’ study reached a critical milestone in its mission to transform healthcare for people with disabilities. A high-level delegation from Uganda’s Ministry of Health, led by Dr. George Upenytho, Commissioner for Community Health Services, and researchers from Makerere University School of Public Health, joined the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit and Amref Health Africa for a two-day study visit in Luuka district, eastern Uganda. The visit brought to life the essence of what the study stands for, research that listens, responds and evolves with the people it serves.

At the heart of the ‘Missing Billion’ Study are Participatory Learning and Action for Disability (PLA-D) groups, which are community-led platforms enabling people with disabilities to identify barriers to healthcare and co-create solutions. Alongside this, the study implements inclusive healthcare system strengthening interventions, such as, training healthcare workers on disability-sensitive care and conducting accessibility audits in health facilities.

Over the two-day visit, the delegation engaged directly with PLA-D groups, observed healthcare worker training, and participated in accessibility audits. Their presence wasn’t ceremonial, it was collaborative. From listening to community members share their experiences, to discussing how to scale the interventions, the visit was a turning point in how research translates into policy and practice.

“This work speaks directly to the vision of the Ministry in ensuring that no one is left behind in access to health services,” said Dr. Upenytho. “We do not want the name ‘The Missing Billion’ to end with this project or remain only as a research initiative. We should work together with MRC, Amref, and the Ministry of Health to scale up these interventions to other districts and improve inclusive healthcare access across the country.”

Mr. Mubangizi Andrew, Assistant Commissioner for Disability and Rehabilitation, echoed the sentiment.

“I am excited to see people with disabilities organized in groups, this is a testament to their collective strength and ability to work together towards improving their own health.”

The Ministry team also commended the study’s inclusive healthcare worker training and healthcare facility accessibility audits for being practical, participatory and mindset-shifting, qualities that are essential for real change within the health system.

Beyond recognition, the visit laid important groundwork for scaling and sustainability. By bringing together government, academia, civil society and research institutions, the project is not only making a case for inclusive health, it is building the partnerships needed to make it possible.

As the study continues, this visit is a powerful reminder that inclusive healthcare is not a side conversation. It is central to equity, and with the right collaborations in place, it is also achievable.

About the ‘Missing Billion’
The ‘Missing Billion’ trial, implemented in Luuka district and aimed at addressing healthcare needs of persons with disabilities is assessing whether the Tusobola Participatory Learning and Action for Disability intervention, combined with health systems strengthening interventions such as health worker training and facility accessibility audits, can reduce mortality, unplanned hospitalizations and quality of life among people with disabilities in Uganda. 

This study is conducted by the Unit’s Disability Research Group, a key focus area in its non-communicable diseases research theme. Click to learn more about disability research at the Unit.