Kampala. Many workers in health centre IIIs and IVs cannot diagnose or treat non-communicable diseases, a survey has indicated. Conducted in 10 districts by the Uganda Non-communicable Disease Alliance (UNCDA), a non-governmental organisation, the survey found that other than lacking the necessary skills, the health workers were also not exposed due to lack of basic screening equipment. Mr Christopher Kwizera, the chief executive officer of UNCDA, stated that 67 per cent of the health workers lacked the capacity to treat NCDs
UNCDA joins the world in fight against tobacco use and its effects
The health system in Uganda suffers the distressing effects of a seemingly pleasurable substance, tobacco. More than 80% of the Ugandan population is youthful. Recent statistics, however, indicate that over 17% of this segment uses tobacco in the various forms ranking highest in East Africa. Despite the high unemployment rate (about 15%) among this group, tobacco unfortunately takes up a big chunk of their money. World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that, among tobacco users, more than 10% of household income
