By Fahad Jjingo The high economic toll of gender-based violence (GBV) in Uganda has raised concerns among UN Women representatives, who are urging stakeholders to step up efforts to reduce cases across the country. Dr. Pauline Chiwangu, the UN Women Country Representative, revealed that Uganda loses an estimated $20 million (over UGX 73 billion) annually…
By Malik Fahad Jjingo Health activists under AHF Uganda Cares are urging the government to waive all charges on imported condoms, including verification fees, to ensure unrestricted access to free condoms in the country. According to AHF Uganda Cares Country Programs Director, Henry Magala, while Uganda has already exempted condoms from import taxes, organizations…
The US Global Aids Coordinator and Senior Bureau Official for Global Health Security and Diplomacy, Ambassador John Nkengasong, has emphasized the need for a coordinated global response to address the Mpox outbreak. During a press briefing, Nkengasong called for an integrated approach that includes testing, genetic sequencing, laboratory training, surveillance, and infection control to effectively…
By Malik Jjingo The U.S. Ambassador to Uganda, His Excellency William W. Popp, has praised the innovators and implementers of the Community Retail Drug Distribution Point model, calling it a game changer for accessibility to HIV/AIDS treatment. During an official visit to the Masaka region, Ambassador Popp visited TASO Masaka headquarters and K Frank Pharmacy,…
Malik Jjingo The fight against gender-based violence in Masaka communities has been joined by AHF Uganda Cares and local health advocates. The goal of the project, according to Moses Kabalu, the regional prevention officer for AHF Uganda Cares Masaka, is to make boys aware of the risks associated with gender-based violence in their community as…
By Malik Jjingo According to a recent Maries Stopes report, the South Central region, which includes the districts of Masaka, Lyantonde, and Sembabule among others, is still struggling with a high mortality rate and a high number of teenage pregnancies. According to Martin Sseruyange, the biostatistician for Masaka City, who presented the Marie Stopes report,…
By Malik Jjingo In efforts to end the spread of HIV by 2030, researchers have called upon the government to support the increased uptake of new innovations that have been proved to be effective in protecting people against contracting the HIV virus. Preventive measures such us PrEP medicine (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) and Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP),…
By Malik Fahad Jjingo The chief of Buddu County in the Buganda Kingdom has urged the Government to address gaps in the delivery of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services, ensuring an approach that respects the rights of all individuals, including those with disabilities. Jude Muleke, the county chief for Buddu County (Pokino),…
Researchers have raised concerns over budget cuts for the Ministry of Health that have left several public health facilities with a lack of essential medical supplies. The concern has been raised by a researcher at Medical Research Center (MRC) Masaka Center Dr. Jonathan Kitonsa during a science café organized by Health Journalist Network Uganda (HEJNU) at Court Lane Hotel in Masaka.…
By Malik Fahad With the increase in traffic crashes in the country, health activists are advocating for the use of preventive measures to reduce the number of lives lost in traffic crashes and diseases. The activists have started a safety campaign named Yambabla4me (Wear it for me) in Masaka region rallying journalists, leaders and health…