Masaka Diocese Contemplates Mental Healthcare Expansion Amidst Surge in Depression Cases

The Masaka Catholic Diocese Health Department is contemplating an expansion of psychological health support services, responding to the surge in depression cases and its adverse impact on the community,” revealed Reverend Father Emmanuel Katabaazi, the Masaka Diocesan Coordinator of Health Services. He observed a rise in patients grappling with emotional stress, emphasizing the urgent need…

WHO Releases New Guidelines to Tackle Human Rights Abuses in Mental Healthcare

As the world observes Mental Health Day, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued fresh guidelines that underscore the ongoing challenges faced by mentally ill individuals despite existing legal protections. These guidelines, released in conjunction with the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR), call upon nations to overhaul their legislation in order…

Bill Gates Announces $40 Million Investment in mRNA Research and Vaccine Manufacturing for Low- and Middle-Income Countries

At the 2023 Grand Challenges Annual Meeting, Bill Gates, Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, unveiled plans for new investments aimed at advancing access to mRNA research and vaccine manufacturing technology. This initiative is designed to bolster the capacity of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in developing high-quality, life-saving vaccines on a large…

Preterm Birth Complications Affecting 1 in 10 Newborns

In 2020, an estimated 13.4 million babies arrived prematurely, and tragically, nearly one million succumbed to complications associated with preterm birth,” revealed a report released on Thursday by UN agencies and partners. The alarming data corresponds to approximately 1 in 10 babies born globally before completing 37 weeks of pregnancy, a statistic attributed to poor…

Persistent Absenteeism in Healthcare Facilities Despite Salary Boosts

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has expressed concern over the high levels of absenteeism of health workers in various government facilities despite enhancing their salaries. Dr. Henry Mwebesa, the Director General of Health Services, shared their observations during a recent supervision tour of selected hospitals across the country, stating that dedication to work has not…

Multi-Dose Routine Vaccination Shows Minimal Rate of Returns

The Ministry of Health has expressed concern over the low turnout of mothers returning for additional vaccinations for their children after the initial doses. These vaccinations target key diseases such as diarrhea, polio, diphtheria, and hepatitis B, which require multiple doses. According to the vaccine schedule, children are supposed to receive doses of oral polio…

NACCRI Strategizes for the Market Release of Innovative Aflatoxin Defense Formulation

Researchers at the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI) in Namulonge are on the verge of offering a solution to the escalating issue of aflatoxins, a problem posing not only a health concern but also a threat to the economy. In a recent Media BioCafe organized by the Science Foundation for Livelihoods & Development (SCIFODE),…

Government Facilities to Undergo Client Satisfaction Surveys by MOH in Response to Negligence Worries

The Ministry of Health (MOH) is taking a proactive approach by initiating client satisfaction surveys in government-run hospitals, addressing growing concerns about patient mistreatment in public health facilities. Dr. Martin Ssendyona, the Acting Commissioner of Standards, Compliance, and Patient Protection in the Ministry, emphasizes the need for these surveys to be institutionalized across all government-run…

Government Formulates Guidelines for Post-COVID Care

“The government has formulated guidelines to address post-COVID conditions,” revealed Dr. Ivan Kimuli, the Head of Clinical Services at the Institute. He disclosed during a media briefing that they have been consistently visited by individuals exhibiting symptoms linked to post-COVID effects. Many of these individuals lament about a lingering cough resistant to treatment and respiratory…

UNFPA Pledges Ongoing Assistance in Uganda’s Battle Against Teenage Pregnancy

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has committed to continue its support towards Uganda’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) for women,  girls including disadvantaged and vulnerable populations,” stated Daniel Alemu, the UNFPA Deputy Representative. “UNFPA, with funding from the Netherlands Embassy, has been implementing a four-year program dubbed Advancing Sexual Reproductive Health and…