Ghana reports first-ever suspected cases of Marburg virus disease

Ghana has announced the preliminary finding of two cases of Marburg virus disease and if confirmed these would the first such infections recorded in the country according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Marburg is a highly infectious viral haemorrhagic fever in the same family as the more well-known Ebola virus disease.  Preliminary analysis of…

Results came back negative from South Africa laboratory of suspected monkeypox samples from Uganda

Monkeypox samples from 24 suspected cases have been deemed negative, according to the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI).  The samples were taken to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases in South Africa to South Africa following an outbreak of the disease in more than 80 countries in the world. Uganda does not have reagents that…

Orthopedic patients benefit from free surgeries at Mulago referral hospital

Twenty- four orthopedic patients are benefiting from free surgeries at a week-long surgical camp at Mulago Specialized National Referral hospital. Orthopedic surgeons are carrying out joint and knee replacements and other musculoskeletal repairs using the minimally invasive technique also known as laparoscopy. 10 of the patients are undergoing ligament repair whereas fourteen others are getting artificial…

Lower rates of survival for multi-Drug resistant Tuberculosis in Uganda

About 20 percent of all patients who present with Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDRTB) in Uganda die. This is above the globally acceptable rate of 5% of all cases presented in any country.  Annually, an estimated 1,500 cases of MDRTB are registered in the country either as first-time or progressive infections. According to records from the ministry…

Uganda: Low vaccination against Hepatitis B causes increase in liver cancer cases

Hepatitis B is leading to an increase in the cases of liver cancer in Uganda but this can be reduced by vaccination. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) between 30 and 50% of cancers can currently be prevented by avoiding risk factors and implementing existing evidence-based prevention strategies like vaccination.  Hepatitis B is a…