Tagged as: COVID 19

Ugandans to Access Cheaper COVID 19 tests from RHU Clinics

Aldon Walukamba G writes

Ugandans can now access COVID 19 rapid diagnostic (RDT) tests at a cheaper cost from Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) clinics in Uganda.

Dr. Annet Nagudi, Director of WISH2ACTION project at RHU says the market price for each COVID  19 antigen RDT test is 40,000 shillings. The price is low in order to allow the vulnerable and underserved people access COVID 19 RDT tests that are offered at a more expensive price in other outlets.

Courtesy photo of a Patient undergoing a COVID 19 test

“the RDT tests that pick ou the outer particles of the coronavirus will be carried out, but those clients found to be negative, but with symptoms, their samples will be transported to undergo a thorough polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test at the government facilities in Uganda” Dr. Nagudi says.

Dr. Kenneth Buyinza, RHU Manager Clinical Services says health experts at RHU underwent a competent RDT COVID 19 testing training exercise by the Ministry of Health Officials.

“following the rigorous training, in RDT testing of COVID 19 among our medical personnel, we are now ready to start testing COVID 19 at RHU clinics” Buyinza says.

Currently, the clinics are equipped with all the RDT testing and personnel protective equipment’s in all the branches.

According to Jackson Chekweko, RHU Executive Director, several Ugandans from various regions and districts of Uganda are shying away from the COVID 19 RDT testing services despite efforts by the health ministry, public and private entities effortlessly popularizing the services. This is because of lack of skilled personnel, services in some parts of the country and the high cost paid for the RDT testing.

“we therefore call upon the public to embrace the services RHU is offering in the quest to fight COVID 19 in Uganda” Chekweko says.

Chekweko says RDT testing at RHU will start with Owino, Bwaise and Katego clinics in Kampala and those in the central region of Uganda like Luweero, Mityana and Iganga inclusive as pilots.

Currently RDT tests undertaken from various accredited health centers in Uganda go for a minimum of 50,000 shillings.

Amidst COVID 19 : Safe Guarding the Health and Rights of Women and Girls

Uganda marked the World Population Day.  Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU), calls attention to the vulnerability and needs of women and girls amid the global Covid 19 pandemic.

There are so many options of contraceptives

Uganda Amidst COVID -19: Safeguarding the health and rights of women and girls

The author of this story is the Director of Programmes at Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU). Dr. Peter Ibembe, is also a researcher in Education, Maternal and Reproductive health

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Teenage Mothers Struggle for a Living during COVID 19 lockdown in Uganda

Brenda Wanichan, 12 from Agwata village in Dokolo district gave birth during the lockdown at 11 years through caesarean section, lives in discomfort.

Brenda Wanichan, 12 from Agwata village in Dokolo district gave birth during the lockdown at 11 years through caesarean section, lives in discomfort. She is forced to plough the land to earn a living against the doctor’s advice to provide for her child. Thus, Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) sought to help raise voices of teenage girls, young women, youth and children.

Thus, Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) sought to help raise voices of teenage girls, young women, youth and children for their leaders to put them at the centre of new development agenda that would see such injustices as teenage pregnancy, school drop out and abuse of sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) come to an end.

With less than one month to end the 42 days lockdown, it is crucial that the upcoming Sustainable Development issues in Uganda address the needs of teenagers and youth.

Click here : Teen Mothers Struggle for a Living during COVID 19 lockdown in Uganda

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