Category «Health»

NDA to monitor health facilities

Effective February, the Uganda National Drug Authority says it is to begin inspecting all public health facilities. The move is aimed at ensuring that the health facilities meet all required standards of storing and issuing out drugs. The executive director of the Authority Gordon Ssematiko says among the key things they are looking out for include the drug storage facility, the drugs in the shelves and the physicians who operate in such drug shops. Ssematiko notes that those which meet required regulations will be accredited there and then. This comes as the authority marks 20 years in existence. And to celebrate this milestone it has issued out 15 motorcycles to 15 districts. The motorcycles are to help in monitoring and …

Alcohol linked to HIV infection rate

Did you know that taking alcohol increases your chances of contracting HIV? A study conducted by the Makerere University School of Public Health shows that the HIV prevalence rate among people who consume alcohol stands at 11%. This is way higher compared to the 6% prevalence rate among those who do not drink alcohol. Dr Nazarius Mbona, a senior lecturer at the school, says that many people lose the ability to make the right decisions and end up having unprotected sex after taking alcohol. The study also shows that Ugandans take higher quantities of alcohol, upto three times compared to the Americans. It is against this background that over 4000 scientists will convene in Kampala in June this year to …

Experts sent to Hoima over measles outbreak

The ministry of health has sent a team of experts to Hoima district to handle the measles outbreak. The measles outbreak reported last week has so far killed three people with more than 300 affected. The permanent secretary in the ministry of health Dr. Asuman Lukwago says their team with the help of UNICEF will first establish the magnitude of the disease and provide immediate intervention. Dr. Lukwago says the assessment will determine whether or not a mini measles vaccination is carried out in Bunyoro region. He blames the new cases of measles on parents who shun the immunization exercise.

Lyantonde residents protest over garbage

Residents of Lyantonde Town Council on Sunday protested over the increasing volume of rubbish in their area. The residents under the leadership of Mr Mustafa Kalule, the Lyantonde Taxi Drivers and Owners Association chairman, went around the scattering rubbish on the streets to show their discontent. They say the stench from the garbage heaps has become a health issue and that due to the filth, the number of rats in the town is increasing. The Town Clerk, Mr Martin Rogers Ssentongo, however said the problem is due to the absence of a garbage collection truck which broke down weeks ago and has not been repaired to due to lack of spare parts.

Kabale declared Marburg free

The Ministry of Health has today officially declared Kabale district Marburg free. This means that the whole district does not have any more cases of Marburg. The end of the Marburg outbreak follows the completion of 42 days of the post Marburg Surveillance countdown period. Announcing the declaration at Rushoroza health center, the health minister Dr. Christine Ondoa said though the district does not have any Marburg cases, members of the public should remain very vigilant. Speaking to KFM, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Dr. Asuman Lukwago says the World Health Organization is still monitoring the situation and has not yet declared the country Marburg free. Lukwago calls for more vigilance and urges the public to report any suspected cases. The …