Latest news with #Aceng
The Star
4 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Uganda launches HIV survey to assess progress, guide future interventions
KAMPALA, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's Ministry of Health on Thursday launched a nationwide HIV survey to assess progress in the fight against the virus and shape future interventions. Health Minister Ruth Aceng officially unveiled the third round of the Uganda Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (UPHIA) 2025 in Kampala, the capital. The survey seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of current national HIV programs, identify gaps, and inform upcoming strategies. Conducted in partnership with Makerere University School of Public Health and the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, the voluntary and randomly sampled survey will involve around 15,000 participants aged 15 and above, selected from 6,685 households nationwide. "The last UPHIA revealed significant gaps in HIV case finding, particularly among men and youth, which have influenced our programming priorities over the past five years," Aceng said in a statement. Uganda is among five countries rolling out the third round of UPHIA, following earlier rounds in 2016 and 2020. For the first time, the 2025 survey will also assess the burden of non-communicable diseases, which health authorities have identified as an emerging public health concern. "Field teams will assess the prevalence of high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and obesity among the general population and people living with HIV," the ministry said. "This information is important for developing health policies that are responsive to the changing health challenges and strengthening the health system." Of the 15,000 participants surveyed, 14,980 are expected to undergo blood draws and HIV testing to assess viral suppression and other health indicators. In addition, 1,300 children and adolescents aged 10 to 14 will be interviewed, though they will not undergo blood tests. Government data indicate that an estimated 1.3 million Ugandans are currently living with HIV, with 1.1 million on treatment. The country has recorded roughly two million AIDS-related deaths over the past three decades.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Uganda discharges all eight Ebola patients, health minister says
KAMPALA (Reuters) - Uganda has discharged eight people after they recovered from Ebola although at least 265 contacts remain under quarantine, its health minister said. The East African country declared an outbreak of the highly infectious and often fatal haemorrhagic disease late last month after one man - a male nurse at the Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala - died. Eight other people received treatment and "have all done well and are due for discharge today," Health Minister, Jane Ruth Aceng told a press conference on Tuesday. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. She said 265 contacts remained under "strict quarantine and monitoring" in the capital Kampala, as well as in Jinja and Mbale - two cities in Eastern Uganda. "None of these contacts have exhibited symptoms so far though they will remain under quarantine for 21 days from the time of their contact or exposure to the index case," Aceng said. Uganda's latest Ebola outbreak was caused by the Sudan strain of the virus. There is currently no vaccine for that strain although a trial programme is underway. Existing vaccines are for the Zaire strain of Ebola, which triggered recent outbreaks in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo. Ebola symptoms include fever, headache and muscle pains. The virus is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids and tissue.
Reuters
19-02-2025
- Health
- Reuters
Uganda discharges all eight Ebola patients, health minister says
KAMPALA, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Uganda has discharged eight people after they recovered from Ebola although at least 265 contacts remain under quarantine, its health minister said. The East African country declared an outbreak of the highly infectious and often fatal haemorrhagic disease late last month after one man - a male nurse at the Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala - died. Eight other people received treatment and "have all done well and are due for discharge today," Health Minister, Jane Ruth Aceng told a press conference on Tuesday. She said 265 contacts remained under "strict quarantine and monitoring" in the capital Kampala, as well as in Jinja and Mbale - two cities in Eastern Uganda. "None of these contacts have exhibited symptoms so far though they will remain under quarantine for 21 days from the time of their contact or exposure to the index case," Aceng said. Uganda's latest Ebola outbreak was caused by the Sudan strain of the virus. There is currently no vaccine for that strain although a trial programme is underway. Existing vaccines are for the Zaire strain of Ebola, which triggered recent outbreaks in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo. Ebola symptoms include fever, headache and muscle pains. The virus is transmitted through contact with infected bodily fluids and tissue. Keep up with the latest medical breakthroughs and healthcare trends with the Reuters Health Rounds newsletter. Sign up here.
