Uganda has achieved the remarkable feat of being ranked second in Africa for the highest number of accredited human health laboratories. This noteworthy accomplishment was announced at the 6th Biennial SLMTA Symposium meeting, which took place during a pre-conference gathering on December 10th and 11th in Cape Town.
Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital Laboratory has been granted accreditation by the South African National Accreditation System to international standards. The accreditation recognizes the facility’s competence in conducting various tests, measurements, and calibrations.
The Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU) has initiated a tree-planting drive, aiming to plant over one million trees by 2025 as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility. The announcement was made by PSFU’s chairman, Mr. Humphrey Nzeyi, at the 1st Private Sector Gala on December 6, 2023.
Uganda’s Minister of Agriculture, Frank Tumwebaze, signed a memorandum of understanding with UAE’s Refarm Group at COP28 for collaborative fertilizer production. The agreement aims to enhance Uganda’s access to high-quality, affordable fertilizers, promoting sustainable and climate-smart agriculture.
Uganda joins 133 other countries in committing to the UAE Declaration, emphasizing agricultural pathways aligned with the Paris Agreement’s long-term goals.
Makerere University researchers are committed to addressing the rising challenges of sickle cell disease in Uganda. Following an increase in patients at Mulago Hospital, the university plans to lead efforts in combating the disease through research, innovative solutions, and healthcare professional training.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja will attend COP28 in the UAE, representing the President. The summit in Dubai aims to address climate change, with a focus on limiting global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja launched a fleet of 116 ambulances to strengthen emergency medical services. Of these, 53 are fully equipped as Type B ambulances for immediate deployment, while the rest will be distributed after meeting the same standards by February 2024.
The Ugandan government, led by Dr. Diana Atwine, plans to introduce a malaria vaccine for children in early 2024 as part of a broader effort to combat malaria, particularly affecting children. This announcement was made during the 20th-anniversary celebration of the Malaria Consortium, a non-profit organization dedicated to malaria prevention and treatment.
Dr. Diana Atwine urges youth to prioritize abstinence for HIV prevention. Despite a decrease in overall infections, youth rates remain high. Atwine emphasizes values, encourages testing, and acknowledges the upcoming World AIDS Day under the theme “Let Communities Lead.”
