Category Archives: News

Barriers to Accessing Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment Remain in Uganda, Despite High Coverage Amongst People Living with HIV

A recent study conducted by The Union has revealed that barriers persist in accessing tuberculosis (TB) preventive treatment in Uganda, even though many people living with HIV have high coverage. The ‘Evaluation of Adherence, Completion, Events for Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment (ACE TPT)’ study aims to identify ways to improve TB preventive treatment for people living…

DRC Secures $59.7 Million Funding to Boost Vaccination of “Zero-Dose” Children

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is set to receive a substantial financial boost of $59.7 million from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance’s Equity Accelerator Fund (EAF). The funding aims to accelerate efforts in vaccinating “zero-dose” children, who have not received any routine vaccines, by 35% before 2025. The investment comes as a part of…

Cholera Outbreak Confirmed in Namayingo District

There is a confirmed cholera outbreak in Namayingo District. At least three people have tested according to the District Health Officer, Mathias Mageni. Both the cholera patients and their probable close contacts are currently being managed at Bukana Health Center III in Bukana Sub County.  He explains that samples were taken from three women residing…

World Hepatitis Day; “One life, One liver”

Every year, on July 28th, the world comes together to observe World Hepatitis Day, aiming to raise awareness about this dangerous yet preventable viral disease that affects the liver, often leading to liver cancer. In line with the global efforts, Uganda joined in to mark this significant day and encouraging everyone to undergo testing for…

High Court Rules in Favor of Family in Tragic Maternal Death Case

The High Court in Fort Portal City has held Dr. Christine Karungi liable for negligence, which led to the tragic death of Tracy Biryomumaisho, an expectant mother who was admitted to Ntara Health Centre IV with labor pains, awaiting delivery. The unfortunate incident occurred on the night of March 29th, 2022, when Biryomumaisho, who had…

Education Expert Argues Against Blanket Ban on Smartphones in Ugandan Schools

Dr. Stephen Ndawula, an expert in Educational Communication and Technology from Kyambogo University, has advocated against a blanket ban on smartphones for students in Ugandan schools and other countries. Despite concerns about potential negative effects on education and students, Dr. Ndawula emphasizes the positive aspects of smartphones that can be harnessed for educational purposes. His…

Rwanda’s Removal of Science Practicals Due to Lab Shortage Offers Insights for Uganda

Rwanda’s Ministry of Education has taken a significant step by deciding to eliminate science practicals from their national examinations. The move comes as a response to long-standing concerns about the lack of well-equipped laboratories in schools across the country. Starting this academic year, science practicals will no longer be a mandatory requirement in national exams…

Thefts Threaten Gulu University’s Living Gene Bank

Theft and vandalism by the community are affecting the growth of a variety of herbs at Gulu University’s Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Studies (PharmBiotec).  The department initiated the traditional medicines unit in 2017 to help the community get alternative treatment to conventional medicine.  Dr Alice Veronica Lamwaka, a senior lecturer in the Department of Biotechnology…

Ministry of Health Raises Corncern Over Deprived Handling of Lab Results

The Ministry of Health in Uganda is concerned about the way laboratory results are being handled. They say that some lab experts are issuing results negligently, which could have serious consequences. For example, during the recent Ebola outbreak in Mubende, there were cases where results were being thrown around, creating unnecessary fear. The MOH also…

Ministry of Health Gets UGX 700m Mobile Laboratory

The Ministry of Health has received a mobile laboratory worth 700 million Shillings to strengthen surveillance of infectious diseases and healthcare systems along the borders. The lab which will be stationed at the Central Health Laboratories in Butabika National Referral Hospital in Kampala was donated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development in partnership with the…