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…

East and Southern Africa Grapples with Persistent Food Insecurity Amidst Environmental and Economic Challenges

East and Southern Africa are facing an ongoing food crisis, with widespread food insecurity affecting millions of people due to a combination of drought, flooding, conflict, and economic hardships according to a World Bank report. The situation is particularly dire in Ethiopia, where Emergency (IPC Phase 4) conditions persist, and parts of Somalia and South…

Northern Uganda Schools Address Drug Abuse Crisis in the Aftermath of Covid

Educational institutions are still grappling with the aftermath of the CoVID-19 pandemic, particularly in Northern Uganda, where schools are facing challenges in rehabilitating learners dealing with drug and substance abuse disorders.  When the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country, the government closed all educational institutions to control the spread of the virus, affecting around 15 million…

Superagers in Their Eighties Show Remarkable Memory and Physical Abilities, New Study Finds

A study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity journal has revealed that people in their eighties, known as superagers, who can recall everyday events and life experiences as well as someone 20 to 30 years younger, also demonstrate greater movement speed and have lower rates of anxiety and depression compared to typical older adults. The…

First randomised trial finds hearing aids might reduce cognitive decline in older adults—but only in those at higher risk of dementia

A landmark study published in The Lancet has shed light on the relationship between hearing loss and cognitive decline in older adults. While hearing aids and audiological support services did not have a significant impact on cognitive decline in a general population of older adults over a 3-year period, treating hearing loss proved beneficial for…