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UPHB Volume 9 Issue 3 July to September 2024
ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE
Trends and distribution of maternal sepsis, Uganda, 2018-2022
Summary
Background: Maternal sepsis (MS) is a pregnancy-related life-threatening condition that occurs after infection during pregnancy, childbirth, after delivery, or after an abortion. In low-income countries, MS causes 10% of preventable maternal deaths. In 2016, MS caused 13% of maternal deaths in Uganda. In 2019, the Ministry of Health set a target of reducing the proportion of sepsis-attributable maternal deaths to 8% by 2024. We assessed the trends and distribution of maternal sepsis incidence, maternal deaths…
Measles outbreak with children below the recommended age for first dose of measles vaccine most affected in Kakumiro District, February–May…
Summary
Background: On April 7, 2024, the Uganda Ministry of Health was notified of a measles outbreak in Kakumiro District involving death of a suspected case. We investigated to determine the scope of the outbreak, assess risk factors for disease transmission, and recommend evidenced-based control and prevention interventions.
Methods: We defined a suspected case as onset of fever and maculopapular generalized rash with ≥1 of cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis in any resident of Kakumiro District from February 1–May 30,…
Trends and distribution of Malaria in Pregnancy, Uganda: analysis of surveillance data, 2015–2023
Summary
Background: Malaria in Pregnancy (MiP) is associated with an increased risk of feto-maternal adverse outcomes. Pregnant women with malaria are at a higher risk for severe anemia and maternal death. We evaluated the trends and distribution of MiP from 2015–2023 to inform interventions to reduce MiP in Uganda.
Methods: We analyzed MiP surveillance data generated from the entire country in the District Health Information System (DHIS2), 2015–2023. MiP was defined as laboratory-confirmed malaria in a pregnant mother.…
Measles outbreak Investigation in Terego District, Uganda, May- June, 2024.
Summary
Background: The Ministry of Health (MoH) received a notification of a measles outbreak in Terego District, Uganda, on April 30, 2024. We investigated to determine the scope of the outbreak, assess risk factors for transmission, Vaccine effectiveness (VE), Vaccine coverage (VC), and recommend evidence-based control and prevention measures.
Methods: We defined a suspected case of measles as onset of fever and maculopapular rash, plus ≥1 of the following; cough, runny nose (coryza) conjunctivitis (red eyes) in a…
International day of epidemic preparedness- 27th December
The commemoration of this day emphasizes the urgent need for resilient health systems to combat the devastating impacts of infectious diseases, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Global health crises disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations, highlighting the importance of raising awareness, sharing information, and promoting scientific collaboration. To prevent future epidemics from exceeding past outbreaks, a One Health approach; integrating human, animal, and environmental health is essential.…
Cholera outbreak associated with consumption of contaminated lake water at Kasensero landing site, Kyotera District, April–May 2024
Summary
Background: On May 5, 2024, a cholera outbreak was confirmed at Kasensero landing site in Kyotera District. We investigated to determine the source, magnitude, and risk factors associated with the outbreak to inform control and prevention measures.
Methods: We defined a suspected case as the onset of watery diarrhoea in a resident (aged ≥2 years) of Kasensero landing site from 1 April to 24 May 2024. A confirmed case was a suspected case with a positive stool culture for V. Cholerae. We reviewed health facility…
Anthrax outbreak associated with Sleeping on the hides of cattle that died suddenly in Amudat District, Uganda, Dec 2023–Jun 2024
Summary
Background: On December 28, 2023, a suspected case of anthrax was reported at Karita Health Centre IV in Amudat District. Samples collected and tested confirmed an anthrax outbreak later in March, 2024. We investigated to assess its magnitude, identify exposure sources, and recommend control and prevention measures.
Methods: We defined a suspected cutaneous anthrax case as an individual with skin lesions (vesicles or eschars) plus ≥ 2 of the following symptoms: itching of skin, reddening of skin, swelling around…
Improvement of Sample Receipt Turnaround Time for HIV Viral Load using a Continuous Quality Improvement Approach, Kigezi, Uganda,…
Summary
Background: Uganda has an established national sample transport and referral network based on the hub-and-spoke model. All health facilities’ samples are expected to be received within 7 days at the Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL). However, from October to December 2023, only 1(1%) of health facilities’ samples in Kigezi region were received within 7 days. We conducted a continuous quality improvement (CQI) project to reduce the sample receipt turnaround time.
Methods: A Continuous Quality Improvement…
Assessment of emergency medical services, Uganda, 2020–2023
Summary
Background: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a spectrum of urgent medical care that spans from initial prehospital critical interventions, transportation, to continued care in emergency care units. EMS play a crucial role in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with time-sensitive emergencies. In 2021, the Uganda Ministry of Health (MoH) launched the EMS policy and strategic plan to improve the quality and accessibility of EMS. It is not clear how EMS has changed since…
Highlight
Disease Outbreaks responded to by the Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, July-September, 2024
The Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program (PHFP) and the Laboratory Leadership Program (LLP) continue to be a critical component of the national response to public health emergencies.
During this period, the fellows participated in…
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Health Events
International universal health coverage day- 12th December
The International Universal Health Coverage Day was designated by the United Nations on December 12, 2017. This day…
International day of persons with disabilities – 3rd December
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), observed on December 3rd, promotes the rights,…
World AIDS day- 1st December
World AIDs day is commemorated annually on 1st December to raise awareness on HIV/AIDs, celebrate achievements made…
World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW)- 18th to 24th November
This is an event organized every year with a theme aiming to raise awareness and understanding of antimicrobial…
World diabetes day- 14th November
On 14th November every year, we observe the world diabetes day to raise awareness about the growing prevalence of…
World Polio day- 24th October
On 24th October every year, we commemorate the World polio day aimed at raising awareness about the global effort…
Global handwashing day-15th October
The global handwashing day, is celebrated on October 15th annually with the aim of increasing awareness on the…
International infection prevention week 14th October- 20th October
International Infection Prevention Week, observed every 3rd week of October, highlights the critical role of…
World mental health day- 10th October
World Mental Health Day, observed annually on 10 October, raises awareness about mental health's critical role in…
Breast cancer awareness month- 01 to 31st October
This is a global healthcare event for the awareness of breast cancer, which we reflect on for the entire month of…
Editorial Team
Dr. Alex Riolexus Ario | Director, UNIPH; Director, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, MoH, Editor in Chief, UPHB Lilian Bulage | Scientific Writer, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, MoH and Scientific Editor, UPHB Dr. Issa Makumbi | Manager, NPHEOC, MoH Paul Edward Okello | Country Coordinator, Data Impact Program, Uganda National Institute of Public Health, MoH Dr. Benon Kwesiga | Program Coordinator - Advanced Field Epi, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, MoH Ritah Namusoosa | UPHFP - LLP Fellow, UNIPH, MoH
Dr. Richard Migisha | Field Coordinator - Advanced Field Epi, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, MoH Samuel Gidudu | Program Coordinator - Laboratory Leadership, Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, MoH Charity Mutesi | UPHFP - Advanced Epi Fellow, UNIPH, MoH Dr. Hannington Katumba| UPHFP - Advanced Epi Fellow, UNIPH, MoH Dr Bridget Ainembabazi | UPHFP - Advanced Epi Fellow, UNIPH, MoH
Should you have any feedback, questions or require additional information related to articles in this bulletin please contact us on: mkomugisha@uniph.go.ug, dwenani@uniph.go.ug, annetnamusisi@uniph.go.ug, lbulage@uniph.go.ug
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