Rheumatic heart disease is a vastly under-researched condition that disproportionately affects low-income countries, with an estimated 55 million cases worldwide. It is the leading cause of cardiac-related mortality in children globally, particularly impacting those aged 5-15 years, typically in kindergarten and lower primary school. The disease progresses through three stages: an initial strep throat infection,…
Before sunrise, Akello Miriam, a mother of five, hauls her yellow jerrycan along the dusty path toward the Aswa River. The old borehole near her home broke three months ago, and clean water is now a three-hour walk away. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” she mutters, dust clinging to her sandals. “We used to…
The Right Here Right Now (RHRN) project has officially concluded its five-year implementation in the Sebei and Bugisu sub-regions, leaving a strong legacy in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and the promotion of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), particularly among young people. Implemented by a consortium of civil society organizations—Reproductive…
The Uganda Medical Association (UMA) and the Ministry of Health are challenging a recent Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) Tribunal ruling that allows pharmacists and other health workers to hold leadership positions in hospitals previously reserved for medical doctors. UMA President Dr Herbert Luswata called the 31 July 2025 ruling “misguided,” noting it relied on foreign…
The Kyabazinga of Busoga, Gabula Nadiope IV, is calling on his subjects to embrace malaria prevention as he prepares to mark his 11th coronation anniversary on September 13, 2025. This year’s celebrations, themed “A malaria-free Busoga for generations to come,” are more than a ceremonial event. They are a rallying point for communities to adopt…
A recent study by the Makerere University Lung Institute has revealed a concerning trend: lung cancer is now more prevalent among women than men in Uganda. This shift marks a significant change from previous patterns where lung cancer was predominantly more common in men due to higher tobacco smoking rates. Study Overview Lead researcher Irene…
A Mother’s Long Wait for Her Son’s Surgery For the last five years, Lillian Tali, a resident of Barr Sub-County in Lira District, has been in and out of hospitals with her son, Atim, who developed a hernia at just one year old. Hernias occur when a weak spot in the abdominal muscles allows internal…
Expectant mothers in Tajar Parish, Kamutur Sub-County, Bukedea district, are living in fear as climate change fuels recurring floods that worsen already fragile health services. Tajar, which has been severely affected by flooding from the Elgon Mountain, lacks a nearby health center with maternity services, forcing pregnant women to give birth at home or endure…
The Ministry of Works and Transport has approved a Safe School Zone Guide, a new initiative designed to curb the alarming number of road traffic deaths among school-going children. Uganda loses an estimated four children every day in road crashes. Dr. Emmerentian Mbabazi, the lead consultant behind the guide, says most of these tragedies occur…
Gulu Regional Cancer Centre has appointed its first substantive director, marking a major step in strengthening cancer care services for Northern Uganda. On Monday, Dr. Geria Fadhil, a pediatric oncologist with 15 years of experience at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), officially assumed office as Director of the facility. Dr. Fadhil takes over from Amos…