Uganda gets, a $1Million medical diagnostic Laboratory

 BY SAMNUEL NABWIISO

KAMPALA-UGANDA -Metropolis Health care limited one of the India s leading medical diagnostic company has officially launched their state of the.  art medical diagnostic Laboratory in Uganda

The Kampala based medical infrastructure which is valued at $1milion   has the capacity to conduct maximum number of sample testing per day.
Avadhut Joshi the Chief Executive Officer International Business, at the Metropolis Healthcare said the medical Laboratory has been equipped with modern medical Laboratory diagnostic equipment’s.
 
"The Kampala based medical diagnostic Laboratory has been equipped with state of the art diagnostic technological equipment’s to deliver best in class patients services since the center also has best qualified staffs to handle the patient’s services “The CEO said during the Launch of the Diagnostic Testing Laboratory in Uganda.

He added that the opening of the Metropolis Medical Laboratory in Uganda will contribute greatly to the Country’s health sector because it is going to create avenues for medical technological transfer since the company will be directly working with the local hospitals and clinicians to ensure that they adopt the usages of modern technologies on the market which is one way of building the country's medical  Human resources as the company has been doing in some countries where  the Metropolis Health care operates.

Dr. Susan Nabadda cutting the ribon during tje opening of the Laboratory 

.Currently on the African Continent, the India’s based Metropolis Healthcare medical diagnostic Health services provider company is currently operating in South Africa, Kenya, Zambia and latest it has opened up its footprint in Uganda.
 
Officiating at the grand opening of the medical diagnostic center in Kampala,the Commissioner for Medical Laboratory Services in the Ministry of Health,Dr Susan Nabadda said the coming on board by Metropolis healthcare devices in Uganda will have positive impact on the country's health sector, she said many Uganda's have been incurring huge expenditure to travel to India for highly specialized medical diagnostic service's but with the coming of Metropolis healthcare services provider all these will be done in Uganda.
 
"This is great achievement for us in the medical sector because the center will offer services here locally this saves time for the professionals to offer quality health services but also it lowers the cost of accessing equality medical services by our patients who have been travelling to India to get quality specialized medical services “She said.

She noted that government diagnostic centers alone cannot offer the required services from members of the public thus the need for the private sector to come on board and support government through establishing medical diagnostic centers across the various parts of the country where the medical diagnostic services are highly demanded.
"As Government we shall support the private sector to ensure that they invest in the country's health sector" She promised.
 
Speaking at the same event, the founder of Metropolis Healthcare Dr Sushil Shah noted that his company will continue investing in those Countries where the demand for quality diagnostic medical services are highly demanded.
 
"Our coming to Uganda was based on our research work where we found that there were some gaps when it comes to access to quality specialised medical diagnostic health services as company we are committed to offer quality medical diagnostic related health services to the general public in Uganda “He said.
In Uganda, Metropolis Healthcare services provider will offer a comprehensive range of about 4000 clinical laboratory tests and profiles used for predication, early detection, diagnostic, screening confirmation and monitoring of diseases.
The diagnostic solutions that will be offered at the center include routine semi specialty and supper specialty domains like Oncology, Neurology, Gynecology Nephrology and many other related medical conditions.

Meet Ugandan IT Innovator who is using IT to change lives of the youth.

BY SAMUEL NABWIISO

Fighting poverty in Uganda will not be achieved if majority of the youth do not embrace Technology Innovations especially in Information and Communication technologies.

According to those who have embraced it their finding it easier to get jobs and also market various consumable goods and services across the global.

 

In Uganda many Ugandan youth have tried to engage in IT innovations and there’s signs of prospering in the Business Industry, the latest one being Ugandan IT innovator Timoth Musasizi

 

Through innovation, Musasizi managed to break all chains to prosper both in business and technology, which he dreams to return to the communities he lives in.

 

At 32 years now, as he is fondly known amongst his business peers, MK Timothy envisions a community full of innovators, new ideas in technology and others that would make a difference in life.

Musasizi bussy in his ITlab

Through his multi-million IT Company Tim Tech Technologies, Timothy has empowered several university graduates with experience and innovative skills.

 

“We had a small facility to host colleagues who were graduating but with limited opportunities to put their dreams into a reality.” He says.

 

Through innovation, the company has stood the test of time, making several innovations that have facilitated business transactions and making life better.

 

Today, he has taken on the responsibility to help more young people make it in life, by providing a platform for them to innovate, speak out, try out and make it happen.

Running an open Technology Centre at Seguku near Entebbe, Musasizi believes this would help several youths discover their potential in different areas of innovation.

 

The Centre that attracts at least 30 to 50 young men and women is run on a probono basis, to facilitate innovation while others discover their different talents and skills.

 

“We want to share the little we have, with the communities and influence those we can to change their lives”. He says, while talking to this publication.

 

Fully furnished like Computers and all the accessories, internet and equipped with latest technology, the centre attracts both school going youths and those who dropped out of education, but deserve another opportunity.

 

It’s from such a centers that Homeduuka, a run-away successful online business outfit was created. The technology has been one key business driver Deeping into the Country’s cash and food economy.

 

Today, Tim Tech Consult has a direct influence in facilitating businesses across Africa with running contracts in Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Zambia and an IT Guru in the Philippines to facilitate an all-time inter and intra connect link to different clients and entities in both the private and public sectors.

 

Born to a humble Coffee farming family 32 years ago, in Mbale, Timothy Karubanga Musasizi attended basic elementary education in Eastern Uganda, where he would always find time to hawk bakeries and other simple edibles that groomed his business acumen ship

 

Shortly after finishing High School, Musasizi started a cereal vending business in DR Congo, where he found a Japanese friend Kenji Ekuan, who was an Industrial Designer.

The two traveled together to Japan, from where Musasizi acquired an opportunity to study Communication Engineering

 It’s from Japan, that Musasizi started Tem Tech Consults in 2008, before relocating to Uganda in 2010. In the same year, Musasizi secured a $12m business contract with a Congolese Company that has never allowed him to look back.

 

It’s through his professional references that Tim Tech secured working relationships in Zambia, and Angola to provide their IT Expertise that would bring business into consumers’ homes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Integrate Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) in the Agricultural systems CSOs ask Government

BY SILVIA  NAMUWANGAI

 Civil Society Organizations are calling upon the government to integrate Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) in the Agricultural systems because they play an essential role in strengthening Uganda’s food and nutritional security and buffer economic and social shocks that might hit the population due to focusing on limited diversity of crops in communities

Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) are cultivated, semi-domesticated, or wild plant species, not included in the group of the major staple crops. In most cases, they do not meet the global market requirements and they often represent resilient species and valuable sources of vitamins, micronutrients, and other phytochemicals; a wider use of NUS would enhance sustainability of agro-systems and a choice of nutritious foods with a strategic role for addressing the nutritional security challenge.

According to Eastern and Southern Africa Small Scale Farmers Forum (ESAFF)-Uganda which is implementing the Sowing Diversity=Harvesting Security (SD-HS) program with different pillars among which is strengthening communities' coping strategies by increasing the intake of nutritious food based on local biodiversity and improved NUS management.

 Caption farmers attending the dialogue 

To ensure that farmers   embrace NUS, ESAFF Uganda is undertaking   different initiatives such as organizing cross-generational dialogues among the farming communities across the country. Through these dialogues’ farmers especially the women and youth where they are empowered with traditional Knowledge about NUS through knowledge sharing sessions from different members such the elderly men and women which helps them to understands the social and economic importance of NUS   

 

“The Cross-generational Dialogues are   multi-demographic conversations that bring together key stakeholders like the elders and the youths to discuss the role and usage of the NUS in fighting poverty, hunger and malnutrition in communities.  Because youths are less engaged in agriculture, the Cross-generational dialogues are very resourceful in helping them to come together and share experiences and learn from each other on different ways on how to cope with hunger and malnutrition especially amidst the rampant effects of Climate Change” Says Nancy Mugimba the National Coordinator ESAFF Uganda.

She adds that besides addressing food security, poverty and malnutrition in the community, NUS contribute to improve nutrition, generating income, maintaining ecosystem health, empowering the poor and marginalized, and promoting cultural diversity.

  In Uganda, traditional knowledge about NUS, which is essential for its conservation and preservation, is held by the older generation. The recent population census shows that Uganda is the world’s second youngest country globally with a median age of 15 yet most youths lack adequate information about NUS and its importance. To sustain NUS's role in Uganda’s food system, the young generation needs to be empowered with knowledge and resources to protect and conserve the NUS.

ESAFF Uganda is focusing on the Cross-generational dialogues as they are fundamental in building a collaborative movement of different stakeholders who are actively contributing to address challenges, needs and opportunities related to promoting NUS at local and national levels. Due to these dialogues there has been an increased understanding of NUS across all generations because of the open discussions during the Cross-generational dialogues that enable knowledge sharing.

To ensure that citizens are equipped with the knowledge ESAFF is conducting sessions where policy makers and other different stakeholders meet to discuss the role of government in the conservation and preservation of these species.

These kinds of sessions have played a big role in changing the mindset of the youths from looking at NUS as a poor man’s food to appreciating their contribution in fighting against poverty, hunger and malnutrition in the communities.

Obura Papias a younger farmer from Apac District in Northern Uganda says that youths are still ignorant about these Neglected Underutilized Species because all the information is held by the elders.

 “The elders should not abandon us; we are a stronger generation and all we need is support and knowledge on how to handle our local diversity.” Obura Papias,a young small-scale farmer from Apac district.

Achan Winifred, a small-scale farmer from Amuria district, adds that Cross-generational dialogues are fundamental in building a collaborative movement of different stakeholders who are actively contributing to addressing challenges, needs and opportunities related to promoting NUS at local and national levels.

She adds that there has been an increased understanding of NUS across all generations because of the open discussions during the Cross-generational Dialogues. Oftentimes, the cross-generational dialogues are organized with cookery demonstrations that enable participants to gain both practical and theoretical knowledge on the preparation of the different local food plants.

“Most of the local foods are tactile to prepare, showcasing the preparation procedures to the young generation is mandatory. This is the only way they can learn to get the actual values of these foods.” Achan Winifred is a small-scale farmer from Amuria district.

 Where the Sowing Diversity=Harvesting Security is being implemented, the communities have appreciated the cross-generational dialogues and there is an evident increase in uptake of the NUS considering their nutritional and medicinal values.

 Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, many communities resorted to the NUS as they are famous for boosting the body’s immunity to fight against diseases. Medical practitioners have also encouraged communities to consume local foods due to their nutritiona

 

Invest in access to clean water to avert diseases, A new report suggests

BY SAMUEL NABWIISO

A new report by WHO and UNICEF, released on Global Handwashing Day, reveals that giving everyone in the world’s poorest countries access to handwashing with soap and water, would cost around $11 billion. That would transform the life-chances of people who are currently unable to simply wash their hands at home.

“Millions of lives could be saved and billions of dollars in untapped economic potential could be unlocked for the equivalent of just $1.40 per head of the global population”, says WaterAid.

As G20 leaders prepare to gather in Rome to improve pandemic preparedness, WaterAid warns that government investment must be made to provide handwashing for all as it plays a critical role in the fight against preventable diarrhoeal diseases and respiratory infections

Washing hands with soap and clean  water can reduces the out brake of diseases  

According to latest estimates from WHO and UNICEF, three in 10 people worldwide cannot wash with soap and water at home, and at current rates of progress, 1.9 billion people – families and children – will still be unable to so by 2030.

WaterAid’s own recent analysis in its Mission Critical report, concluded that trillions of dollars could be unlocked over the next two decades through universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene. Achieving this could generate a net benefit of $45bn per year, and even just providing a tap in every household could yield $37bn USD annually.

WaterAid warned  that progress is worryingly slow. For everyone to be able to wash their hands at home by 2030, one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, governments need to make progress at least four times faster than they currently are. However, the economic value of handwashing for all, alongside water and sanitation services, is vastly underestimated by governments, business and donors, resulting in chronic under-investment.

Investing in water, sanitation and hygiene brings multiple wins for governments, WaterAid says: it is value for money, it helps achieve health targets and it increases productivity to support economic growth. If governments invested in even basic water, hygiene and toilets it would bring a return on investment of up to 21 times the cost.

Small scale farmers are holding their 3rd Annual National Organic Week

BY SAMUEL NABWIISO

Small Scale Farmers in Uganda are holding their 3^rd Annual National Organic Week where farmers especially small holder ones across the country meet and show cases on how  to promote Organic Farming in the Country .   

 Organic agriculture is described as a system that emphasizes environmental protection and the use of natural farming techniques. It is concerned not only with the end-product, but with the entire system used to produce and deliver the agricultural product and many Organic farmers rely instead on natural farming methods and modern scientific ecological knowledge in order to maximize the long-term health and productivity of the ecosystem, enhance the quality of the products and protect the environment.

According to the National Chairman of the Eastern and Southern Africa Small holder farmer’s forum (Uganda Chapter) Hakim Baliraine said that small-scale farmers across the country are subconsciously practicing organic agriculture though need more information on organic markets and enhancing capacity on organic agriculture practices in order to motivate uptake

Baliraine further added that there is a need to sensitize the general public about the many benefits of consuming organically produced foods because of the health benefits it offers to the consumers, he said that there’s also high economic benefits which comes with the farming of organically Agricultural products since the market for such products is available both on the local market, Regionals ones and International   

“Over the last decade, the global production and trade in Organic Agriculture has been expanding exponentially. The unfolding market opportunities globally especially in the developed countries of Europe and North America, shifts in consumer preferences to safe and hazard free organic food, increasing consciousness about conservation of the environment as well as health hazards associated with agrochemicals are some of the major factors for the growing interest in Organic Agriculture” He said.

small holder farmers practicing Organic Farming 

Over time, ESAFF Uganda has been organizing different interventions that aim at promoting seed rights and organic agriculture such as creating awareness and enhancing farmer’s capacities on seed rights and organic agriculture, setting demonstration gardens, farmers seed sovereignty using different approaches. It’s on that note therefore that ESAFF Uganda has organized the 3rd National Organic Week 2021 under the theme: “Go organic, It’s only Natural”

 

During this 3rd Annual National Organic Week (NOW) 2021, ESAFF Uganda has organized different activities such as the National dialogue, tree planting caravan, cookery demonstrations and seed fairs, community dialogues and radio talk shows in different districts.

 The NOW 2021 aims at raising awareness on farmers seed rights and the benefits of locally produced organic food and increase consumption frequency among small scale farmers and other stakeholders and providing a platform for SSFs to engage different stakeholders and exhibit how ecological agriculture systems are a critical solution to the realization and food and nutrition security amidst the climate change crisis.

About, the Eastern and Southern Africa Small-scale Farmers’ Forum (ESAFF) Uganda is the largest small-scale farmer-led policy influencing movement in Uganda. ESAFF Uganda was established to bring together small-scale farmers into a social movement to build common aspirations, learnings and linkages. farmers’ organizations in other 15 countries in eastern and southe

Address other other Health needs of the population CSO, urges Ugandan Government

BY SAMUEL NABWIISO

Civil societies advocating for free HIV /AIDS society especially among the young people are calling up on Government not to give more priority in the fighting of the spread of COVID-19 but also put more emphasis on other diseases that are claiming the lives of many Ugandans.

 The civil societies under the leadership of Uganda Network of young people Living with HIV/AIDS (UNYPA) says that Government should come up with comprehensive Health / Medical Interventions that addresses all the health needs of the ordinary people in the country.

 According to Awori Ruth, the Programme manager at UNYPA says that many young people living with HIV/AIDS have lost their lives due to the pronounced lock down measures which government declared as way of means to combat the spread of Corona Virus.

>“We congratulate our Government towards the combating of COVID-19 but the measures have greatly affected the young people living with the HIV virus, the measures especially those that restricted the movement of people hindered the youth to access to heal facilities where they go for the HIV/AIDS related health service s such as access to counseling and HIV /AIDS related drugs” Awori said

 Among other diseases which the civil societies wants government to priorities alongside the combating of COVID-19 include HIV/ AIDS, Tuberculosis, Mental health, Cancer among other diseases, she said that the government should ensure that the local people suffering from such illness access to quality health / medical services for the better of their lives.

 The officer made the appeal during the Launch of the 8th Edition of the younger people living with HIV/AIDS beauty pageant at the Kampala Serena Hotel.

 Speaking at the same event, the Executive Director of UNYPA Isaac Lekdyang said that fighting HIV /AIDS among the young people require more approaches that ate friendly to them that is why they have resorted to organism Beauty pageant competitions for the younger people living with the virus which he said it has helped I fighting stigma among the communities towards young people living with the virus.

 “As an organization we have been organizing theses Beauty pageant for the last over six years this is our 8th edition through edition we have managed to get winners from the regions of Uganda who later becomes our Ambassador’s in the lower communities towards the fight against HIV/ AIDS “ He explained. 

 The Young Positive Beauty Pageant is an annually campaign aimed at fighting stigma and discrimination as well as addressing the structural drivers of gender based violence and other HIV /Sexual reproductive Health issues against young people living with and affected by the HIV/AIDS.

 Furthermore, the beauty contest also addresses both self-stigma faced by young people living with the virus and the community stigma driven by the environment towards Young people living with the virus by uplifting their plight and harnessing the power of empowered young people living with the virus.

 The objective of the competition is to improve care and support within the health sector and home based care giving. This will be achieved through engagement of young positive living youth Ambassadors who will continuous sensitize their host communities about HIV /AIDS. Second to that the campaign also aims at reducing the challenge impediment to public health programs, leading to a reduction in further HIV infections, the provision of adequate health care and support as well as mitigating the impact of HIV/ AIDS.

Access Agriculture Launches an online EcoAgtube video-sharing platform

BY SAMUEL NABWIISO Recognising the close link between healthy ecosystems, healthy earth and healthy people, we are delighted to officially announce the launch of EcoAgtube (www.ecoagtube.org), a new open access platform for hosting and sharing videos dedicated to green living and sustainable food systems to help protect the environment and preserve natural resources for current and future generations. Josephine Rodgers, Executive Director of Access Agriculture, explains that EcoAgtube is targeted to all those with an interest in agroecology and the environment to showcase their experience and local innovations. “EcoAgtube is your platform, where you can freely upload and share your own video clips in any language to inspire, engage, empower and activate others in your country and across the world.” The EcoAgtube platform, which is accessible on computers and mobile devices, is an initiative of Access Agriculture (www.accessagriculture.org), an international nonprofit that promotes agroecology and rural entrepreneurship. Seeking to support a more circular economy by eliminating waste and regenerating natural systems, EcoAgtube covers a variety of topics that range from sustainable agricultural practices to climate and environment, land and water, forestry, food and health, ecotourism, green building and energy, among others. The platform has been designed to meet users’ needs with streamlined navigation that makes it easy and fast to explore categories and subcategories and discover the content and features they are interested in. It will be continually updated with the latest videos, highlighting featured and popular videos and top channels. Registered users can upload, view and share videos and comment on them, create playlists and channels and monitor trends and performance. The platform has a section on projects which serves as a repository for users to host and manage their own project videos. Users can also access guides on how to upload videos and create channels and projects. As can be seen from the feedback below, some of our partners from across the world who have already seen glimpses of EcoAgtube have warmly welcomed its creation as it fills a much-needed gap for increasingly environment-conscious individuals and communities to share their experience through a dedicated video-sharing platform that can reach a worldwide audience and build awareness.