Greater Treatment Adherence Noted Among Male TB Patients

A recent investigation led by the Makerere University Lung Institute reveals a concerning trend: a higher rate of dropout among women undergoing tuberculosis (TB) care compared to their male counterparts, adversely impacting their chances of survival despite the curability of TB. The study, spanning thirty-six treatment units across twelve districts in Uganda, focused on understanding…

Police Probes Theft of Gov’t Drugs Worth UGX 3.7Million

Theft of crucial medical provisions from Ukusijoni Health Centre III in Adjumani district has triggered an inquiry by security authorities. According to a report from the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), vital drugs and supplies, dispatched by the National Medical Stores on October 11, 2023, vanished under mysterious circumstances. The missing items, valued at 3.7 million…

Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) Provides Clarification on Proposed Premiums for National Health Insurance Scheme

The Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) has clarified that not every individual will be subject to a fixed monthly charge of 15,000 Shillings for the proposed National Health Insurance Scheme. Health Minister Dr Jane Ruth Aceng had initially suggested that all Ugandans, along with their dependents, would be required to pay this amount, but Ivan Kilameri,…

Urgent Action Required as Lancet Countdown Report Highlights Severe Health Risks from Climate Change

New data from the 2023 Report of The Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change underscore the critical need for immediate action to limit temperature increases to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The report warns that delays in mitigation efforts pose an imminent threat to the health and survival of billions worldwide. With the world already…

Police Officer Allegedly Assists in Illegal Abortion: Investigation Initiated

Alfred Onoria, a police officer assigned to Dokolo central police station, is reportedly evading authorities following accusations of facilitating the termination of a five-month-old pregnancy for his girlfriend, identified as Patrica Akullo. Akullo, a 20-year-old resident of Apala village in Dokolo District, claims that Onoria urged her to undergo an abortion, expressing uncertainty about being…

Joint Medical Stores Donates Two Anesthesia Machines Valued at 200 Million to Soroti Hospital

Joint Medical Stores has made a significant contribution today by donating two versatile and life-saving universal anesthesia machines worth 200 million to Soroti Regional Referral Hospital. These multipurpose machines play a crucial role in the theater, monitoring and supporting the breathing of patients undergoing surgery, and are designed to function even without power. Pellins Byamaka,…

WHO Establishes Commission to Tackle the Issue of Loneliness

The World Health Organization (WHO) has initiated a groundbreaking commission dedicated to cultivating social connections, recognizing loneliness as a significant health concern, as per a statement unveiled on Wednesday. This commission, comprising representatives from various continents, is designed not only to spotlight social connection as a priority but also to expedite the implementation of solutions…

African city leaders unite to build political support for climate action

In the heart of Tshwane, the bustling city played host to a momentous gathering as C40 welcomed representatives from twelve African cities for a transformative two-day Political Leadership Masterclass on Climate Change Governance. This assembly of high-profile political and governance figures, part of the  Climate Action Implementation Programme, aimed to propel cities toward carbon neutrality…

Expanding Access of HIV Prevention Injection to Include Adolescents: MU-JHU

Researchers from the collaborative effort between Mulago-based Makerere University and Johns Hopkins University (MU-JHU) have disclosed that the soon-to-be-approved long-acting Cabotegravir injection, designed to prevent HIV, is deemed safe for adolescents. The administration of this HIV-preventing drug involves initial injections four weeks apart, followed by subsequent injections every eight weeks. The drug is intended for…

Urinary Tract Infections on the rise in Teso

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are causing concern among healthcare professionals in the Teso sub-region. These infections, often caused by bacteria from the skin or rectum entering the urethra, lead to urinary tract infections, impacting various parts of the urinary tract, particularly the bladder, and causing frequent and painful urination. At Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, Dr.…