SynaptixBio Earns Second FDA Orphan Drug Designation for Rare Disease Treatment

  SynaptixBio, a prominent biotech firm dedicated to combating rare and deadly diseases, has achieved a significant milestone by securing a second Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).   The company’s initial ODD, obtained in early 2023, targeted Hypomyelination with Atrophy of the Basal ganglia and Cerebellum (H-ABC), the…

Preterm infants at disproportionately high risk from RSV

Researchers call for closer monitoring of this group, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. 26 February 2024 by Linda Geddes Preterm infants are at disproportionately high risk of serious illness caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – a threat that continues into their second year of life, research suggests. The finding implies that interventions to prevent…

African-made Auto-disable Syringes are Bolstering Immunisation on the Continent

In Kenya, Joyce Chimbi spoke to the first African manufacturer of WHO-prequalified, safe, single-use syringes.  27 February 2024 by Joyce Chimbi Reusable syringes are risky. They’re more likely to cause infection, and have been linked to the transmission of blood-borne diseases like HIV, and hepatitis B and C. They’re also able to be used, resold, and…

Mass Measles Vaccination Begins in Hoima

Hoima district has launched a massive measles vaccination campaign following a confirmed outbreak in several villages along Lake Albert’s shores. The outbreak was identified in four villages in Kiganja and Buseruka sub-counties after samples from affected individuals tested positive for measles at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI). To date, 302 people have been affected,…

Complications from teen moms overwhelming Uganda hospitals

The Ministry of Health (MOH) is facing a significant challenge in treating a growing number of teenage moms experiencing complications after childbirth. Officials revealed at a press conference that 27% of mothers facing delivery complications are teenagers. Many are developing hypertension, while others are increasingly experiencing vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), a condition causing uncontrollable urine leakage.…

Karamoja Receives UGX 139 Billion Nutrition Boost

A groundbreaking nutrition initiative worth 139 billion Shillings has kicked off in the Karamoja sub-region. Known as the ‘Gender Equitable Nutrition in Tanzania and Uganda (GENTU)’ project, it will be spearheaded by Action Against Hunger in collaboration with the Karamoja Women’s Umbrella Organization. Targeting Nakapiripirit, Moroto, and Nabilatuk districts, the endeavor is generously supported by…