According to Dr. Diana Atwine, the MOH Permanent Secretary the Executive Order by the United States President, Donald Trump suspending funding last week means that they evaluate and decide how they will continue to operate without this support.
The project will include the construction of a modern theater, a maternity ward, an outpatient department, and a four-stance pit latrine. Lokitelaebu Health Center will also receive a four-stance pit latrine and a supply of medical equipment, among other improvements.
Faced with declining external financing, the government has to make its priorities right to ensure that the available resources are optimally utilized, but fears are that this might hurt other sectors, especially social services and agriculture.
In an interview with URN, UMA President Dr. Herbert Luswata revealed the frustration the association faces in trying to establish a labor externalization company for health workers, even as many of them remain idle.
Aisha Inyaa, a fishmonger in Obongi Town, shared that the flooding has led to a surge in waterborne diseases among children due to the lack of clean water sources. Inyaa, who emphasized the plight of families displaced even from areas not initially near the riverbanks, called on the government for assistance in relocating the affected communities.
“Very few citizens (5 percent) are aware of the toll-free number to call in case of a medical emergency. Slightly more than half of those aware (3%) know such a number exists but cannot recall the actual number. The vast majority totaling 95 percent are not at all aware of the number,” the report noted.
Dr. Michael Jurua, the head of the private wing at Arua Regional Referral Hospital, emphasized that regular screening makes it easier to manage diabetes if diagnosed.
The malaria eradication program also includes an extensive indoor residual spraying (IRS) campaign, covering both the interior and exterior areas of homes. This approach ensures that mosquitoes landing on surfaces are killed, thereby reducing the risk of malaria transmission.
Zombo's Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC), Atim Grace, emphasized that free and uncontrolled cross-border movement of Congolese nationals seeking healthcare in Uganda poses a potential risk for a monkeypox outbreak. "Given the influx of Congolese entering Uganda, the threat of a rapid spread of monkeypox is real, and disaster preparedness funds are crucial," Atim said.
The project, which is estimated to cost 300 million shillings, will feature a range of specialized units including Genealogy Units, Antenatal and Neonatal centers, Outpatient and Inpatient Departments, as well as Labor and Post-natal wards.
r. Innocent Nkonwa, the Luwero District Health Officer, attributed the rise in cases to poor hygiene practices in homes and the consumption of contaminated water. Nkonwa explained that, despite government interventions, many residents still engage in unhealthy practices such as open defecation due to a lack of latrines, and some fail to wash their hands after using the toilet.
Midwives play a crucial role in providing emotional, physical, and medical support to expectant mothers, ensuring safe and healthy childbirth. However, the role has traditionally been viewed as a female profession.
During these vigils, which happen twice every year in September when the global safe abortion day is marked and in December during the 16 days of activism the community is asked to compile names of girls who succumbed to maternal health complications.
