Parliament debates Bill to control and safeguard public health Kampala, Uganda | PATRICIA AKANKWATSA | The lively social gatherings in Uganda, often fueled by alcoholic beverages, are facing a potential shift as the Ugandan Parliament debates the Alcohol Drinks Control Bill, of 2023. This proposed legislation has sparked a national conversation; …
Read More »Ramadan: a dietitian offers tips for healthy fasting
ANALYSIS | AGENCIES | Ramadan is the month in the Islamic calendar when the Qur’an was revealed to the prophet Muhammad (PBUH). During the month, Muslims abstain from all sensory pleasures (like food and drink, sex, TV and music) from dawn to dusk. The time is centred on prayer, the Qur’an, …
Read More »African health ministers commit to end malaria deaths
The African region is home to 11 countries that carry approximately 70% of the global burden of malaria ANALYSIS | AGENCIES | Health Ministers from African nations bearing the brunt of the malaria crisis have pledged to take decisive action to end fatalities caused by the disease. With Africa accounting for …
Read More »A few hours of spiking air pollution ‘raises death risk
The majority of these were in Asia and Africa, and more than a fifth occurred in urban areas Kampala, Uganda | DANN OKOTH | More than a million people die every year due to short-term exposure to high levels of air pollution, researchers say, with Asia accounting for almost two thirds …
Read More »Hoima receives 10,000 doses of measles vaccines
Hoima, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Hoima district health department has received more 10,000 doses of measles vaccines to help vaccinate people in the district against the disease. An outbreak of measles was confirmed in the district two weeks ago. The outbreak was first confirmed in four villages of Runga …
Read More »Up to 10 million Ugandans ignored COVID-19 booster doses
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Research by the Makerere University School of Public Health has revealed that the majority of Ugandans who were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have not received booster doses. The study carried out between February and March 2023 at the Malaba and Mutukula points of …
Read More »Global health organizations advocate for new gadget to make surgery safer
Smile Train and Lifebox advocate for the inclusion of a capnograph as an essential anaesthesia monitoring equipment for safer surgery Singapore City, Singapore | THE INDEPENDENT | In a significant move to improve safety for millions of people undergoing surgery each year, Smile Train and global nonprofit, Lifebox, have come …
Read More »Masaka City leaders consider sanitation contests to fight poor hygiene
Masaka, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The leadership in Masaka City Council has considered organizing hygiene contests in schools and household levels as the response to the apparent high levels of filthiness in the area. Michael Mulindwa Nnakumusana, the Chairperson for Nyendo-Mukungwe Division says the competitions are intended to challenge the …
Read More »Experts concerned about blood wastage in Africa
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Experts attending the Africa Society for Blood Transfusion (AfSBT) congress at Munyonyo are concerned about wastage at hospitals. They say that sometimes blood transfusion is recommended when it is not needed. According to the WHO, in developed countries, the blood wastage rate is reported to …
Read More »Reducing teenage pregnancies
Ministry of Health unveils comprehensive package of solutions Kampala, Uganda | PATRICIA AKANKWATSA | Uganda faces a significant public health challenge with its high rates of teenage pregnancy. According to the Ministry of Health, approximately 24% of adolescent girls aged 15-19 become pregnant or have already given birth. This alarming statistic …
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