End ‘Alarmist Narratives’ on Population Growth and Recognize Women’s Rights- UNFPA

Women’s bodies must not be held captive to government policies or “alarmist narratives” concerning population growth, the UN Sexual and Reproductive Agency (UNFPA) said in the latest edition of the State of World Population report published this morning.   The agency observes that while reaching the milestone of eight billion people on Earth was a…

Can a drug used to treat liver disease help prevent SARS-CoV-2 infections and lessen COVID-19 severity?

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, attaches to a cellular receptor called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and activation of the farnesoid X receptor increases ACE2 expression.   New research published in the Journal of Internal Medicine suggests that a drug that inhibits the farnesoid X receptor and is used to treat liver disease may decrease…

Japan donates $7.9 million to support Refugees and Host Communities in Uganda

The Japanese Government has donated 7.9 million US Dollars (29.5 billion Shillings) to support refugees and improve food security in the Karamoja sub-region. The donation has been channeled through five United Nations organizations which include United Nations High Commission for Refugees(UNHCR), World Food Program (WFP), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Women (UN Women),…

Uganda Launches Satellite Laboratory at Fort Portal Hospital

The Ministry of Health has launched a Satellite Laboratory at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital. The facility, constructed under the Uganda COVID-19 Response and Preparedness Project is expected to improve clinical research at the hospital upon its completion. The construction will cost four billion Shillings while another 1.3 Billion Shillings will be spent on equipping…

Obstetricians, Gynecologists Ask For Immediate Deployment, Payment Of Interns

Obstetricians and Gynecologists have joined the push to demand for immediate deployment and payment of medical interns warning government not to demand accountability for women dying in labor when they further delay.   Dr. Othiniel Musana, the President of the Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Uganda (AOGU) told URN in an interview that medical…

CSOs Want Gilead Pharma to Allow Companies Make Generics Out of Their Products

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have expressed concern over restrictions by global HIV and Hepatitis drugs manufacturer barring other pharmaceutical companies from replicating their medicines to make generics. Speaking to journalists during a press conference on Wednesday, Kenneth Mwehonge, the Executive Director HEPs Uganda said drugs made by Gilead, an American Biopharmaceutical company are too expensive…