Nigerian Student’s Innovative Water Conservation App Wins Global Challenge

Prosper Ukachi, a visionary from Abuja, Nigeria, is changing perceptions about water conservation with his groundbreaking app concept, BlueHub. The app recently received recognition in the Xylem Ignite Global Student Innovation Challenge, marking a significant achievement for Prosper and his collaborator, Gabriel Portas from Spain. BlueHub is a prototype phone app that encourages individuals to…

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…

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…