A monthly vaginal ring containing the antiretroviral drug dapivirine – an HIV prevention method that has been approved in several African countries and recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) –appears to be safe when used during breastfeeding, suggest results of a Phase IIIb open-label study presented today at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic…
Aerosol forecasts from the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service show the first large-scale Saharan dust transport of 2023. An episode of a long-range Saharan dust transport has been crossing the Iberian Peninsula and will continue across France towards northern and central Europe in the coming days. The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) is tracking the long-range…
A single dose of a low-cost, generic, oral antibiotic called azithromycin, could prevent life threatening sepsis during child birth in up to 2 Million women per year a study shows. In a randomized, placebo-controlled study published in the New global maternal health research on February 9th, 2023, researchers found that a single 2-g oral dose of azithromycin given…
For someone previously infected with COVID-19, their risk of hospitalization or death is 88% lower for at least 10 months compared to those who had not been previously infected, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Lancet. The analysis also suggests that the level and duration of protection against reinfection, symptomatic…
Lira Regional Referral Hospital has received its first microbiology laboratory and equipment to support the investigation of bacterial infections particularly those that have shown resistance to common antibiotics. The hospital, which receives over 1,000 out patient attendances and 100 admissions on a daily basis has been referring its clients to Kampala for advanced tests because…
Uganda’s West Nile region has received a refurbished modern laboratory to enable veterinary officers to handle zoonotic diseases and emerging infectious diseases in animals in the sub-region. The facility which is located along Arua-Lia road in Arua was refurbished and equipped with the support of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) and funding valued at 413…
No new COVID-19 variants have emerged in China during the recent surge in infections since the country ended its zero-COVID policy, according to an analysis of cases in Beijing. The study, published in The Lancet, suggests two existing Omicron sub-variants, BA.5.2 and BF.7 – among the most dominant variants in Beijing during 2022 – accounted…
There is a need to clamp down on the formula milk industry’s marketing tactics which are exploitative, this is according to a new three-paper series published in The Lancet. The paper points out industry influence which includes lobbying against vital breastfeeding support measures as one of the ways they are using to jeopardize the health and rights…
An investigation by the National Drug Authority (NDA) has found Tickoff, an acaricide produced by Pastor Robert Kayanja of Miracle Center Cathedral and two colleagues to be adulterated with chemicals that have since been banned. According to Abiaz Rwamwiri, NDA’s Public Relations Officer, the product which has been distributed in districts of Kiruhura, Lyantonde, Sembabule,…
Newborn screening (NBS) for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), when combined with early treatment, results in better movement ability in affected children, including the ability to walk, when compared to children who are diagnosed once symptoms develop, suggests a new study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health journal. SMA is a rare, genetic neuromuscular…