Activists opposed to the Reproductive Health Bill that among other things legalises abortion want it withdrawn from regional East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). The bill that was tabled before EALA has clauses that legalise abortion, tackle Gender-Based Violence, agree to commercialise surrogacy, and for students to have comprehensive Sexuality Education. An online petition against the bill circulating…
Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP) is in collaboratory network with other researchers to find a cure for HIV. An HIV cure includes both remission and eradication. Remission is the durable control of virus in the absence of any ongoing antiretroviral therapy (ART). Eradication is the complete removal of intact and rebound-competent virus. Under the HOPE Collaboratory Network, MUWRP…
Twenty- four orthopedic patients are benefiting from free surgeries at a week-long surgical camp at Mulago Specialized National Referral hospital. Orthopedic surgeons are carrying out joint and knee replacements and other musculoskeletal repairs using the minimally invasive technique also known as laparoscopy. 10 of the patients are undergoing ligament repair whereas fourteen others are getting artificial…
In just one month, about sixty people have reportedly died of hunger in Kotido district. A report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification(IPC) indicates that about 518,000 people approximately 40 percent of the population in the Karamoja sub-region, are facing high levels of food insecurity. Children are most affected with the prevalence of acute…
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…
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…
A new pill that could make your alcohol handover go away is now available! But it works best for moderate drinkers. It is also not suitable for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or under the age of 18. The Myrkl, taken before drinking is on sale for the first time in the UK. It is marketed as a supplement…
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…
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 &…
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…