By Esther Nakkazi A multinational Phase III clinical trial of a promising dengue treatment is set to begin in early 2027, marking one of the most advanced efforts yet to develop the first targeted therapy for a disease that threatens more than half of the world’s population. The trial follows a licensing agreement between the…
By Esther Nakkazi KAMPALA, Uganda —Uganda recorded 403 maternal deaths during the first 25 epidemiological weeks of 2026, highlighting the continuing challenge of preventing women from dying during pregnancy and childbirth. Although maternal deaths declined from 26 in epidemiological week 24 to 15 in week 25 (June 15–21), the cumulative toll remains high. The 15…
Global health experts have prioritized several antiviral drugs and monoclonal antibodies for clinical trials against Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), following a technical meeting convened to review potential medical countermeasures for the rare Ebola strain. The meeting focused on the current landscape of therapeutics for Bundibugyo virus disease and reviewed evidence for specific products including remdesivir,…
Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a wearable ultrasound patch that could allow doctors to continuously monitor a baby’s blood flow during pregnancy, potentially helping detect complications earlier and reduce the risk of stillbirth. The study, published May 26 in Nature Biotechnology, was led by Professor Antoniya Georgieva of Oxford’s Nuffield Department of…
Donors have pledged more than $800 million to launch a new investment round for the Global Financing Facility (GFF), a World Bank–hosted partnership aimed at accelerating reductions in maternal and child deaths. The GFF announced $806 million in new commitments from governments and philanthropic partners in support of its five-year TRANSFORM 2030 strategy, unveiled on…
Civil society organisations in Uganda have raised concerns over limited involvement in the planned rollout of a new long-acting antiretroviral drug, lenacapavir for HIV prevention, urging authorities to ensure inclusive planning and community engagement. The concerns emerged during a virtual meeting convened by HEPS-Uganda on March 17, 2026, which brought together 53 HIV prevention advocates.…
Severe nurse shortages across African neonatal units are leaving newborns without essential care, with only a fraction of required tasks being completed, new data shows. Research presented at the International Maternal Newborn Health Conference 2026 found that nurses are able to deliver just one-third of the care newborns need. Another third is delegated to mothers…
In a milestone for global health research, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has issued a positive scientific opinion for acoziborole, a single-dose oral treatment for gambiense human African trypanosomiasis—better known as sleeping sickness. The disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and transmitted by the tsetse fly, has long plagued rural communities across sub-Saharan…
SJF25, the most diverse event for science journalism, will take place from October 27 to 30, 2025, offering a hybrid experience accessible from the UAE or anywhere in the world. Theme: Science Journalism at a Crossroads – Rethinking Trust, Funding & Innovation Join global voices, explore sessions in 5 languages, and access content on demand.…
Mpox has devastated communities across Africa. In Uganda a novel text alert system is helping health workers to contain an outbreak. 28 July 2025 by Esther Nakkazi Edith Nalunga, a nurse and public health surveillance specialist based at Nabweru Health Centre III in Uganda’s Wakiso District, is talking to a patient at her desk when…