New WHO Data Reveals Alarming Antibiotic Overuse During COVID-19, Particularly in African Region

New evidence from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows the extensive overuse of antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, which may have exacerbated “silent” spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). While only 8% of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 had bacterial co-infections requiring antibiotics, three out of four or some 75% of patients have been treated with…

New Handbook by Dr. Sendagire Enhances Health Worker Practices in Laboratory Specimen Collection

Dr. Hakim Sendagire, a lecturer and researcher at Makerere University College of Health Sciences, has authored a comprehensive handbook titled ‘Correct Collection of Laboratory Specimens,’ offering a meticulous guide for health workers conducting laboratory tests. Released during Medical Laboratory Week, celebrated annually from April 14 to 20th, the book aims to underscore the pivotal role…

Tragic Road Accidents Claim 79 Lives in only one week in Uganda

Seventy-nine people lost their lives, and 288 others sustained injuries in road accidents in one week ending 21April, as revealed by the Uganda Police. Michael Kananura, the traffic police spokesperson, highlighted that the majority of the victims were either motorcycle riders or pedestrians. Out of the 79 fatalities, 29 were motorcyclists, 23 were pedestrians, and…

Experts Call For Tighter Accreditation and Reviews for Ugandan Medical Courses

Experts have urged the Uganda National Council for Higher Education to strengthen accreditation processes and conduct regular reviews of medical courses to ensure the quality of health professionals meets the needs of Ugandans. Speaking at a Health Professions Education (HPE) conference, Prof. Sarah Kiguli, a Pediatrician and lecturer at Makerere University, highlighted concerns about universities…

U.S. Provides $25 Million in Refugee Aid to Uganda Amid Growing Humanitarian Needs

The United States is providing more than $25 million (about 95.3 billion shillings) in refugee and food security assistance to Uganda. The aid, which forms part of the US government’s commitments, is being channeled through its foreign development agency, USAID, and the Department of State. “This additional funding to WFP and UNHCR will support the…

Nnabagereka Urges Increased Investment in Healthcare and Education

The Queen of Buganda Kingdom, Lady Sylvia Nagginda, has been a strong advocate for increased investment in healthcare and education, arguing that these sectors are crucial for the kingdom’s development. Despite the national budget for 2023/24 increasing to Shillings 52 trillion, with a focus on development, there were reductions in funding for health and education.…