Urgent Action Needed as Malaria Elimination Faces Setbacks

Against the backdrop of the 2024 Africa Malaria Progress Report, which reveals stagnating progress and mounting threats to malaria elimination, African leaders at the African Union Summit have committed to mobilizing domestic resources and scaling up innovative financing. The leaders urged global partners to replenish the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, emphasizing…

Mpox Crisis Deepens in Uganda as Funding Cuts Disrupt Testing

  In Kapchorwa District, a 32-year-old man from Kayimelil Cell, Central Division, and a 29-year-old from Kwomo Cell, Chema Sub-county have tested positive for Monkeypox (Mpox), sending shockwaves through the community. Dr. Sirajji Masai, the Kapchorwa District Health Officer, confirmed that both patients are currently in isolation at Kapchorwa Main Hospital, receiving treatment. He urged…

Health Minister Calls for Local Test Kit Manufacturing Amid Frequent Outbreaks

Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng has urged pharmaceutical companies participating in the Uganda Health Pharma Healthcare Exhibition to invest in local test kit manufacturing, citing the country’s frequent disease outbreaks and heavy reliance on imports. Speaking at the event on Thursday, Aceng emphasized the urgent need for domestic production of diagnostic kits, especially as…

Health Activists Demand Full Waiver on Condom Import Charges to Curb HIV Spread

  By Malik Fahad Jjingo Health activists under AHF Uganda Cares are urging the government to waive all charges on imported condoms, including verification fees, to ensure unrestricted access to free condoms in the country. According to AHF Uganda Cares Country Programs Director, Henry Magala, while Uganda has already exempted condoms from import taxes, organizations…

Global NCD Alliance Forum Gathers Experts in Rwanda Amidst Funding Challenges

Kigali, Rwanda is hosting the 4th Global NCD Alliance Forum from February 13-15, bringing together 700 advocates, experts, and ministerial representatives from over 66 countries. This is the first time the Forum will take place in sub-Saharan Africa, a region facing a growing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) amid concerns over global health financing. The…

JCRC Performs First Stem-Cell Therapy in East Africa, Offering New Hope for Chronic Conditions

The Joint Clinical Research Center (JCRC) has successfully treated its first patient using stem-cell therapy, marking a medical milestone in the East African region. The groundbreaking regenerative medicine procedure, performed Wednesday afternoon, involved the infusion of stem cells into a patient suffering from chronic back pain. Among the first to undergo this therapy was Dr.…

Heart Institute Expansion in Jeopardy as Church Blocks Critical Access Road

In yet another setback for Uganda’s fight against heart disease, Phaneroo Ministries, led by Apostle Grace Lubega, has denied the Uganda Heart Institute access to a crucial road—raising fears that life-saving emergency care could be compromised when the new hospital opens. Dr. John Omagino, Executive Director of the Heart Institute, revealed that construction of the…