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…
The government has proposed life imprisonment for any person who sells or gets involved in any form of compensation for human organs, tissues, or cells. This is part of the Uganda Human Organ Donation and Transplant Bill, 2021 the Minister of Health, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng tabled before Parliament. The proposed new law prohibits the…
In just one month, about sixty people have reportedly died of hunger in Kotido district. A report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification(IPC) indicates that about 518,000 people approximately 40 percent of the population in the Karamoja sub-region, are facing high levels of food insecurity. Children are most affected with the prevalence of acute…
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…
An estimated 80 000 people have taken part in the Kabaka Birthday Run, an annual event that forms part of the celebrations to mark the birthday of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II of Buganda. For the last three years, the run’s theme has been “Men for Good Health and Ending AIDS by 2030.” The…
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…
A new pill that could make your alcohol handover go away is now available! But it works best for moderate drinkers. It is also not suitable for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or under the age of 18. The Myrkl, taken before drinking is on sale for the first time in the UK. It is marketed as a supplement…
A study by the Aga Khan University shows that one in every four healthcare professionals exhibits signs of depression. Conducted across all 47 counties in Kenya, the Protecting the Wellbeing and Strengthening the Resilience of Frontline Health Workers study also revealed that two in every five healthcare workers show symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Some…
Learning poverty has increased by a third in low- and middle-income countries, with an estimated 70% of 10-year-olds unable to understand a simple written text with comprehension by age 10, according to a new report published today by the World Bank, UNESCO, UNICEF, UK government Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), USAID, and the Bill &…
World Health Organization (WHO) and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation today announced plans to set up a mentorship programme for African women working in neglected tropical diseases programmes. The mentorship is in honour of the late Dr Mwele Malecela, who was one of Africa’s most highly respected female scientists and public health leaders. The mentorship programme will provide African women with leadership…