Health

Mulago National Referral Hospital Administration has stated that the facility faces a challenge of understaffing specifically for the intensive care unit (ICU). According to Mulago’s Executive Director, Dr. Rosemary Byanyima, the hospital, expanded the ICU unit but did not recruit extra staff, which consequently affected the operation of the unit. She made these remarks on January 8, 2024, while receiving submissions for the financial year 2024-2025 budget framework. “We have really expanded the capacity. But, since the reopening, we have never recruited...

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has proposed to have the minimum age of alcohol consumption raised from 18 to 21 years, arguing that, at 18 years, one's brain is still developing, so they should not be charged with making such life-altering decisions like taking alcohol. Dr. Hasfa Lukwata, the Assistant Commissioner of Health Services at MOH, made these remarks during a media training of journalists at Parliament on December 19, 2023, where she noted that the Tobacco Control Act already...

The Ministry of Health has reported a significant rise in the uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among Uganda's young female population. This positive development, outlined by Dr. Frank Mugabe, Principal Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health's Non-Communicable Diseases Department, showcases a 150% increase in girls under 14 receiving the first dose. Notably, an 80% success rate for the two-dose regimen has been achieved “This encouraging news comes as a beacon of hope in the fight against cervical cancer,"...

President Yoweri Museveni emphasized the crucial role of free education in government schools to combat HIV/AIDS among adolescents aged 15+ during the commemoration of World AIDS Day held in Kibaale, Rakai district. Speaking on December 1, the President called for the elimination of fees that hinder children's access to education, describing education as a vital anti-AIDS measure. President Museveni admonished head teachers who continue to impose fees on students, despite the government's efforts to provide education freely. He stated, "Let's...

World AIDS Day is an annual event that sheds light on the global HIV/AIDS epidemic and promotes awareness, prevention, and treatment initiatives. Each year, a theme is chosen to focus attention on different aspects of the fight against HIV/AIDS. In 2023, the theme "Let Communities Lead" holds immense significance for Uganda, a country heavily impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The Importance of Community Involvement: Uganda Aids Commission (UAC) statistics reveal a troubling trend of increasing HIV infections among young people aged...

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has encouraged local scientists and innovators to partner with colleagues around the world so that they can develop the science sector in Uganda. He made these remarks while commissioning Microhaem Scientifics (MHS), a state-of-the-art diagnostic manufacturing facility in Ntinda, Kampala, on November 27, 2023. The President said that the plant will boost local manufacturing capacity and provide high-quality, affordable malaria and HIV diagnostic testing kits. “I commissioned the Microhaem Scientifics (MHS) diagnostic manufacturing plant in Ntinda yesterday. This...