Major Breakthrough as Johnson & Johnson Drops Patents, Paving Way for Affordable TB Treatment

In a significant development, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has announced the relinquishment of its secondary patents on a crucial TB medicine, marking a pivotal moment in the fight against tuberculosis. This decision by J&J opens the door for additional drug manufacturers to produce more affordable generic versions of the medication, offering hope to countless individuals…

National Drug Authority closes make shift drug dealers in Busoga region

The National Drug Authority (NDA) took decisive action in the Busoga Sub-region, shutting down 166 illicit drug outlets due to their lack of licenses and unqualified staff. This operation also resulted in the seizure of 241 boxes of assorted medicines worth 80 million Shillings. The comprehensive five-day operation covered various locations, including Jinja City, Jinja…

Is research adequately assessing mental health interventions for children in low- and middle-income countries?

It is estimated that, globally, mental disorders affect about one in seven children and adolescents aged 10–19 years. A recent analysis of published studies indicates that most research on child and adolescent mental health and psychological interventions in low- and middle-income countries is reactive rather than proactive, focusing on treating rather than preventing mental health…

Doctors Without Borders and TB Advocates Achieve a 20 Percent Price Reduction for TB Test in High-Burden Countries

Following renewed activism by the international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and other tuberculosis (TB) advocates over the last week, Cepheid and its parent company Danaher announced today that they are reducing the price of the Xpert MTB/RIF test for TB by 20 percent—from $9.98 to $7.97 per test—in high-TB-burden countries.…

European Investment Bank Commits €1 Million to Strengthen Ethiopia’s Primary Healthcare System

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has allocated €1 million (approximately BIRR 61 million) to the World Health Organization (WHO) for a technical assistance initiative aimed at fortifying Ethiopia’s primary healthcare system. The Ethiopian government seeks to enhance its primary healthcare infrastructure by 2024, aligning with its goal of achieving universal health coverage and bolstering health…

New NHIS Proposals Suggest Charging Family Heads Shs15000 for Each Dependent

Families will contribute Shillings 15,000 to the insurance pool for each member of their household should the cabinet approve the proposed National Health Insurance Scheme bill,” revealed the Health Minister, Dr. Ruth Aceng. She also highlighted the history of failed attempts by the Health Ministry to establish the national health insurance scheme since 2004. In…

Launching a Fresh Manifesto to Advocate for Increased Approval of HIV Prevention Choices Worldwide

HIV activists have expressed their dismay at the sluggish adoption of newly approved HIV prevention methods, such as the dapivirine vaginal ring and the cabotegravir injection, in African countries,” remarked Winnie Byanyima, the UNAIDS Executive Director. She was speaking at a meeting in Kampala during the launch of a new manifesto aimed at advocating for…

Lango Region Achieves Remarkable 9% Growth in Viral Load Suppression Over Five-Year Period

The Lango sub-region has witnessed a significant increase in Viral Load Suppression (VLS) over the past five years,” stated recent reports. “The suppression rate has risen to 94 percent between 2018 and 2022, in contrast to the previous ten years when the sub-region struggled to surpass a viral load suppression rate of 85 percent.” The…

Goalkeepers Report: Seven Innovations Could Save 2 Million Mothers and Babies by 2030

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has just unveiled its seventh annual Goalkeepers Report, which illuminates the world’s collective shortcomings as we reach the midpoint in our pursuit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also highlights the potential for innovation and investment to drive progress, especially in combating the global crisis of…