Lower rates of survival for multi-Drug resistant Tuberculosis in Uganda

About 20 percent of all patients who present with Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDRTB) in Uganda die. This is above the globally acceptable rate of 5% of all cases presented in any country.  Annually, an estimated 1,500 cases of MDRTB are registered in the country either as first-time or progressive infections. According to records from the ministry…

Uganda: Low vaccination against Hepatitis B causes increase in liver cancer cases

Hepatitis B is leading to an increase in the cases of liver cancer in Uganda but this can be reduced by vaccination. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) between 30 and 50% of cancers can currently be prevented by avoiding risk factors and implementing existing evidence-based prevention strategies like vaccination.  Hepatitis B is a…

25% of Kenya’s healthcare workers depressed says Aga Khan University study

A study by the Aga Khan University shows that one in every four healthcare professionals exhibits signs of depression. Conducted across all 47 counties in Kenya, the Protecting the Wellbeing and Strengthening the Resilience of Frontline Health Workers study also revealed that two in every five healthcare workers show symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Some…

Pandemic Related Learning poverty: 70% of 10-year-olds can’t understand a simple written text

Learning poverty has increased by a third in low- and middle-income countries, with an estimated 70% of 10-year-olds unable to understand a simple written text with comprehension by age 10, according to a new report published today by the World Bank, UNESCO, UNICEF, UK government Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), USAID, and the Bill &…

Parliament acknowledges need for legislation on contraceptives for adolescent girls

In the wake of the rising adolescent teenage pregnancies, Uganda Parliament has acknowledged the need for legislation on contraceptives access to safeguard adolescent girls against unplanned pregnancies. Thomas Tayebwa, the deputy speaker of Parliament made the observation while meeting a visiting delegation of British Lawmakers under their umbrella body All Party Parliamentary Group – APPG; health…

Higher risk of high blood pressure after childbirth recorded in Ugandan women

Researchers are recording increased cases of pre-eclampsia after childbirth among women who had no prior history of high blood pressure. Women in Mbale are at a higher risk of getting affected with pre-eclampsia.  Pre-eclampsia is responsible for ~25% of deaths during childbirth in sub-Saharan Africa according to research.  Pre-eclampsia refers to a condition during pregnancy…