Plans to decentralise cancer treatments are too slow

The Uganda Cancer Institute is overwhelmed. Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja while on a tour on Wednesday said lack of funding and competing priorities are delaying the government’s efforts to decentralize cancer treatment in Uganda.  The plans to decentralise cancer treatment were announced way back in 2018. Back then, the government announced plans to establish five…

About one million children die every year due to lead poisoning says the WHO

Each year, an estimated 1 million people, die from lead poisoning.   Millions more, many of them children, are exposed to low levels of lead causing lifelong health problems, including anaemia, hypertension, immunotoxicity and toxicity to the reproductive organs. The neurological and behavioural effects of lead could be irreversible.  “Lead exposure is especially dangerous to…

Chinese firm mining gold allegedly pollutes community drinking water

Households in 10 villages in Mahyoro Town Council in Kitagwenda district are accusing the Chinese firm, Tyang Tyang Company of polluting River Buhindagi. The families accuse the company of discharging contaminated water into the river from their gold mines in Kitomi village.  The affected villages are Zambia, Karokarungi, Buhindagi, Omukarere, Kyendangara, Kanyabikyere, Bwetuuma, Kitomi, Kitonzi, and Kachindo. River Buhandigi which stretches…

The number of COVID-19 doses administered in Africa monthly declined by over 50% for three months

COVID-19 vaccination coverage has stagnated in half of African countries, says the World Health Organization (WHO).   The number of doses administered monthly declined by over 50% between July and September, a WHO analysis finds and shows that the percentage of people with complete primary vaccination series (one dose for Johnson and Johnson and two doses for…

Aftermath of COVID pandemic has an effect on increased mental illness -health workers say

In the aftermath of the COVID-19, health experts in Acholi Sub-region are registering rising cases of mental illnesses associated with depression. According to the experts, the cases are being registered both among females and males, unlike previously when the bulk of the cases was dominant among males.  Data from the hospital shows that 400 patients…