New study shows how exposure to Africa’s ancient enemy –malaria- may have led to lower COVID-19 severity rates SPECIAL FEATURE | Juanita Williams | When COVID-19 swept the globe in early 2020, health experts braced for devastation in Africa. The continent’s healthcare systems, already stretched thin by endemic diseases …
Read More »GAZA: 20 Palestinians, including 5 journalists, killed in Israeli attack on hospital
GAZA | Xinhua | At least 20 Palestinians, including five journalists, were killed on Monday in an Israeli attack on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. The Israeli army said it launched “an initial inquiry” into the incident. Gaza-based health authorities said in a press statement that Israeli …
Read More »Gates Foundation offers $2.5bn to end women’s ‘needless suffering’
ANALYSIS | BOAKAI FOFANA | The Gates Foundation has pledged its largest ever fund for research work into “chronically underfunded areas” of women’s health. The Foundation announced its commitment on Aug.11 saying the U.S. $2.5 billion for health research and development will support more than 40 innovations, particularly those affecting women …
Read More »Sexual health is an extra struggle for women with disabilities
Findings from 10 African countries, including Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya in East Africa ANALYSIS | OBASANJO BOLARINWA, ALI MOHAMMED & CLIFFORD OBBY ODIMEGWU | Even after more than three decades of global efforts to promote inclusive sexual and reproductive health policies, many women with disabilities in Africa still face serious challenges. Their …
Read More »Rwanda reconsiders malaria vaccines amid surprise surge
In 2024, malaria cases rose by more than 45 per cent in one year, reaching 620,000. Kigali, Rwanda | KELLY RWAMAPERA | After years of progress in reducing malaria cases, Rwanda is confronting a surprising resurgence and signs of treatment resistance that have forced officials to revisit vaccine intervention the country …
Read More »Health ministry to integrate eye care into community health platforms
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Ministry of Health has unveiled a new initiative to integrate eye health services into Uganda’s community health system in an effort to combat the rising burden of vision impairment across the country. Announcing the plan, Dr. Charles Olaro, Director General of Health Services, said …
Read More »Ultra-processed foods and chronic diseases
Researchers say these foods are designed to be palatable, causing people to overeat and gain weight Health | AGENCIES | A new report has concluded that ultra-processed foods are a driving force behind the obesity epidemic as well as a major cause of chronic conditions. The findings, published in the journal …
Read More »Qcil pays Shs 19.8bn in taxes, eyes innovation-led growth
The company is establishing a R&D hub, aimed at ramping-up local pharmaceutical manufacturing Kampala, Uganda | RONALD MUSOKE | Uganda’s pharmaceutical manufacturer, Quality Chemical Industries Limited (Qcil) paid Shs 19.8 billion in taxes to the government in 2025, up from Shs 15.1 billion a year earlier, following record growth in profits. …
Read More »New HIV prevention tools emerge as donor cuts threaten progress
Innovation, inclusion, and urgency define Kigali HIV conference ANALYSIS | RONALD MUSOKE | When the 13th International AIDS Society (IAS) Conference on HIV Science (IAS 2025) concluded in Kigali after five dynamic days (July 13–17), delegates left with a mix of hope and concern—buoyed by scientific breakthroughs but unsettled by a deepening …
Read More »Vaccines: Best gift you can give to your baby
New theme as Uganda conference pushes triple strategy against HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B Kampala, Uganda | RONALD MUSOKE | To mark its hosting of the Triple Elimination Conference in Africa scheduled for July 21-23 in Kampala, Uganda is rolling out a bold and unprecedented strategy to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of three …
Read More »
The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price