Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng has urged pharmaceutical companies participating in the Uganda Health Pharma Healthcare Exhibition to invest in local test kit manufacturing, citing the country’s frequent disease outbreaks and heavy reliance on imports. Speaking at the event on Thursday, Aceng emphasized the urgent need for domestic production of diagnostic kits, especially as…
The Joint Clinical Research Center (JCRC) has successfully treated its first patient using stem-cell therapy, marking a medical milestone in the East African region. The groundbreaking regenerative medicine procedure, performed Wednesday afternoon, involved the infusion of stem cells into a patient suffering from chronic back pain. Among the first to undergo this therapy was Dr.…
Nearly half of the 230 million condoms procured for free distribution in Uganda remain unused each year, even as the country grapples with a surge in sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Dr. Robert Mutumba, head of the AIDS Control Programme at the Ministry of Health (MoH), revealed a decline in condom usage, with some attributing this…
A cholera outbreak has been confirmed in Labongo Layamo Sub-county, Kitgum District, raising fresh concerns about the spread of the disease in northern Uganda. According to the District Cholera Taskforce, the outbreak was detected in Ocettoke East village, where a family of seven was rushed to Kitgum General Hospital after exhibiting cholera-like symptoms. Laboratory tests…
In yet another setback for Uganda’s fight against heart disease, Phaneroo Ministries, led by Apostle Grace Lubega, has denied the Uganda Heart Institute access to a crucial road—raising fears that life-saving emergency care could be compromised when the new hospital opens. Dr. John Omagino, Executive Director of the Heart Institute, revealed that construction of the…
The Uganda AIDS Commission and AHF Uganda Cares have appealed for an urgent allocation of Shs300 billion to sustain critical HIV/AIDS services, including essential drugs and laboratory supplies. The appeal was made on Tuesday before Parliament’s Health Committee, chaired by MP Joseph Ruyonga, following the suspension of funding from the United States Agency for International…
Activists have raised concerns over the government’s science-first policy, which prioritizes better remuneration for civil servants in science-related fields over their counterparts in arts-related services. They warn that the policy, intended to retain talent, is instead driving resignations among beneficiaries, leading to long-term consequences for the public sector. Speaking on findings from the Auditor General’s…
For decades, lab-made antibodies have been used to support patients in fighting specific diseases. These treatments have become a cornerstone of cancer therapy and were among the first medical solutions developed to combat COVID-19. However, producing antibodies in the lab is costly and time-consuming. A research group from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) has developed…
Trials of a vaccine against Sudan virus have been launched in Uganda following an outbreak. 7 February 2025 by Linda Geddes Health workers at a health outpost during the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2019. Credit: Gavi/2019/Frederique Tissandier On 30 January 2025, Uganda declared an outbreak of Sudan virus disease after…
A boda boda (motorcycle) rider in his mid-30s, who fled from medical teams tracking Ebola contacts in Mafubira Zone A and B, in Jinja City Northern Division, has died from Ebola-related symptoms. The rider reportedly began experiencing a heavy fever but initially avoided seeking medical care, hoping for recovery. However, his condition worsened on Sunday…