The Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH)-Uganda, World Health Organisation (WHO)-Uganda, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-Uganda and the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) has organized a Public Dialogue on the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) scheduled to take place on Friday 13^th March 2020 at the Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala from 2:00 to 5:00pm.

Theme: COUNTRY PREPAREDNESS TO PREVENT, DETECT AND RESPOND TO THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) EPIDEMIC

Objective of the Public Lecture of the Public Lecture:

To contribute to COVID-19 Preparedness in Uganda through;

1. Providing a platform to educate the general public on the strategies the country is implementing to prevent, quickly detect and expediently respond to the COVID-19 global epidemic in Uganda
2. Providing a platform to educate the general public on what they should do and what they should not do to prevent themselves and others from getting infected with the COVID-19 virus
3. Generating potential insights and garnering support from academia and the general public and other key stakeholders to strengthen national preparedness to the COVID-19 global epidemic in Uganda

Speakers will include:

• Minister of Health, Uganda
• World Health Organization Representative to Uganda
• Dean, Makerere UniversitySchool of Public Health

Basic protective measures against the coronavirus:

1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand rub.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. In addition, cover your mouth and nose with tissue when coughing and sneezing.
3. Maintain a safe distance between yourself and someone who is, sneezing and or coughing (at least 1 meter).
4. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, seek medical care immediately.
5. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs/handles, car doors, elevator buttons etc. daily with regular household disinfectant or soap.
6. All people coming from countries affected by corona virus disease should follow the guidance given by health workers at the airport and other border entry points.

Contact Information:

Doreen Tuhebwe, MakSPH, Email: dtuhebwe[at]musph.ac.ug
Elizabeth Ekirapa, MakSPH, Email: ekky[at]musph.ac.ug
Mr. Atek Kagirita, MoH, Tel: +256-782-909153
Dr. Allan Muruta, MoH, Tel: +256-772-460297

source; http://news.mak.ac.ug/

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The development of CRISPR Cas 9

In the same manner, as DNA developed and so is the technology of Clustered Inter Spaced Repeated Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) Cas 9 unveiled by Jennifer Doudna that can be used to alter genes of an embryo.

Cas 9 is the enzyme that it uses to making cutting sequences. To relate, it would make sense to refer to Crispin Maslog in paraphrasing a discussion of the world receiving results of the first gene-edited babies in November 2018. The babies were twins whose identical names were not mentioned here for security purposes. This invention which took place in the above year was by the Chinese Scientist Crispin Maslog on SciDev.Net. This regarded as an achievement at the giving end turned out as a debatable topic on the receiving or consuming end.

As bioethicist always focuses on the receiving end of any bio-technological achievement. To make clarity of some key terms CRISPR Cas 9 is the recent bio-technology idea that replaces the commonly known DNA. This technology can be used to cut, edit and add parts of the genome.

A genome can literally be understood as a trait that passes on from one’s grandparents to parents and to him/her. These traits that get passed on are in other words inherited. These are inherited in their combination or coding that may lead to words people normally refer to a child and parent. The reference is normally in that the child resembles his/her parent. This resemblance is what can be understood as the genome.

The genome, therefore, that is being edited results into either a positive or negative effect onto the edited bacteria. This process of editing is done by CRISPR Cas 9. The reason as to why this can edit is because the Cas 9 as protein enzyme plays a very big role as a cutter, editor and alternator. This role of editing embryos from its totipotent stage can only be engineered by the CRISPR Cas 9 enzyme. The totipotent stage is that from which any part of the body can be altered or modified into a desirable.

This also led to the idea of what can be referred to as ‘designer babies”. This process of gene editing designer babies basically encompasses the notion of adding or removing traits to suit qualities desired like beautiful, handsome, a certain species type and intelligence.

PHOTO OF GENE-EDITING 

Example of a gene-editing process using CRISPR Cas 9

Twins as a result of gene-editing to remove HIV

The declaration of the seven couples whom Crispin and his colleges recruited with HIV had in some days been declared to have borne in a womb twins with HIV-resistant. These scientists’ steps through CRISPR Cas 9 to edit in either removing HIV genes and implanted into a womb got many disagreements of no proven evidence. This lead to the raising of ears like a cock or rabbit focusing of one to attentively hear and make judgment or conclusions.

Bioethical issues that arise

Just like the Chinese second International Summit on Human Genome Editing in Hong Kong attended by 700 Scientists noted the following day on 29^th Nov 2018 that “Even if the modifications are verified, the procedure was irresponsible and failed to conform to international norms,” and so do Bioethicists argue.

Bioethical issues that range from biological, physical, social, spiritual and psychological in nature start to arise.  These issues arise just as Crispin’s colleagues noted as I paraphrase that they too got surprised that the research made them debate of as to whether it really followed ‘ethical guidelines’.

According to a bioethical understanding of the steps of the use of humans beings being used as research subjects to be ethical has to follow the National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines. The guideline would question as to whether the research before the seven couples went through the first and second stage before the third of a small sample of human beings. If so did it reach this third level would now call for evidence.

This rising is powered by the fact that the genetic engineering story is looking at this imaginary story of Alphabetical letters of English Grammar. They are 26 alphabetical letters of which you and I English writers and speakers use to join words. The removal or addition of these letters gives either a positive or negative result. To the later, the removal can lead to either a positive or negative effect and to the addition in a reverse way. The removal for example of alphabetical letters like a, e, o, i, and u will surely lead to the disappearance of some words hence affecting the alphabetical letters negatively. This means the opportunities to do many things is limited. In this same veil could be editing a gene that is inherited.

To refer to the inherited gene can best further be understood in our previous example of the resemblance of a child, parent, and grand-parents. When the genes that created resemblance of character, behaviour and maybe empathy are removed then the semblance that was shared between the lineages are lost. Bioethicists would not in any way give a go-forward to a research proposal of such nature because of the distortion.

On a second imagination, it is done to over 5 generations of 50 years. This means literally that a culture, tribe, and race might extinct and this will surely cause social stigma.

The most crucial gene editing notion that calls bioethics to play is whether we should proceed with it because of the end we focus on or also pay attention to the means used to attain the goal. In any case to take a simple example, when Chris is hungry and needs something to eat and know very well that their neighbour’s cassava in the garden is ready and uproots without permission to feed on. In this simple scenario, Chris will get satisfied and hunger no more. On the other hand if we are to question would Chris have used the best means to solve hunger?

In this case of the gene-edited babies so do we question the means used through CRISPR Cas 9 that fellow 700 scientists questioned its ethics. The goal of attaining HIV free twin babies was achieved but it shouldn’t be a justification of not bothering of the means used.

Bioethicists would recommend instead to use a means that everybody in this case scientists would also conform to gene editing to attaining any desired result. Furthermore, any means thought of for a process should be prior subjected to ethical or research ethics review.

JURUA Charles

Master of Arts in Bioethics –Finalist

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According to the Nigerian authorities, a national emergency operations centre had been activated to coordinate the response “to the increasing number of Lassa fever cases” across the country

Lassa fever is endemic to the West African country and its name comes from the town of Lassa in northern Nigeria where it was first identified in 1969.

Previously, cases of the disease have been reported in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Togo and Benin – where it killed at least 9 people in 2016.

A map showing West African country.courtesy photo

Lassa fever

Lassa fever, also known as Lassa hemorrhagic fever (LHF), is a type of viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus.

Symptoms for Lassa fever

• Fever
• Weakness
• Headaches
• Vomiting
• Muscle pains 

Prevention measures WHO

• Avoid contact with blood and body fluids while caring for sick persons.
• Discourage rodents from entering homes such rats
• Disposing of garbage far from the home, maintaining clean households

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GHSA was launched in 2014 as a 5-year initiative to increase country-level health security capacity to stop outbreaks at the source. The Agenda now includes over 60 nations all working to close gaps that allow infectious diseases to take root and spread.

“Africa as a continent has insufficient surveillance, laboratory networks, competent workforce and research expertise which compromises evidence-based decision making. Africa must rise up to the challenge and develop its capacity through the various national bodies,” the President said.

Mr. Museveni said that African Heads of State launched the African Centre for Disease Control (CDC) after recognizing its need at the African Union Special Summit on HIV and AIDS, TB and Malaria in Abuja in July 2013, before the devastating Ebola outbreak of 2014/2015.

He added that in 2000 when Uganda had an Ebola outbreak in Gulu and 2007 when Marburg broke out, the government’s capacity to prevent, detect and respond was poor and many lives were lost. “Since then, we have put emphasis on building capacity and I am happy that the detection and response timelines, have improved and control is swiftly mounted,” he said.

The President appealed to leaders to follow up disease outbreaks from the time of declaration to the time the country is declared free of the outbreak because the public might refuse to listen to the medical people but listen to their leaders. “Here in Uganda, I regard myself a political doctor. The medical doctor cannot handle all of the outbreaks. When there is an outbreak here, I immediately get involved and become part of the responsive team,” he said.

Mr. Museveni also urged the GHSA to train and empower communities with information because they are a very useful tool at enhancing prevention, detection and response.  “Communities are very important in the control of public threats as they are the first people to experience the outbreaks and have their own values, beliefs and ways of responding,” he said.

President Museveni addresses the $th Health Security Agenda

President Museveni called upon the public to stop encroaching on the environment saying this has disrupted the equilibrium and resulted in emerging and re-emerging of public health threats. “Ebola and Marburg are because humans invade habitats of animals where they are not supposed to be,” he said.

The President said that according to World Health Organization, 6 out of every 10 infectious diseases in humans, are spread from animals; therefore, the health of people is connected to the health of animals and the environment.

Citing the 2014/2015 Ebola outbreaks in West Africa, Dr Tim Evans, a Senior Director for Health, Nutrition and Population at the World Bank, said epidemics and pandemics derail economies. He called upon the participants to think about national, regional and global financing for a more secure future.

Admiral Tim Ziemer, Senior Director for Global Health and White House National Security Council member said the US government was committed to supporting the GHSA and extend it up to 2024.

“If GHSA is extended to 2024, we will work with partners to strengthen the next phase of this multilateral initiative building on existing work, and shaping the GHSA mission and structure to reflect the current global health security environment,” he said.

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Internal affairs state minister and also Terego east MP, Obiga Kania says that he has initiated the project by ensuring that both men and women are trained how to make the sanitary pads and later they will go ahead and train more people throughout the constituency.

Terego East MP Mario Obiga Kania

Obiga Kania says that the project will help women and girls access cheaper pads and also address the problem of un employment to men, women and the youth and this will help households to earn an income.

Obiga Kania says that finally when production increases the re-usable pads will be sold to various schools at a low cost.

He further says that so far 120 women have been trained and have started production of sanitary pads which they are using together with their families and the communities around them.

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The President of intern doctors Dr. Faux Kavuma says at the moment they have no interactive because they have anything to eat and also their land lords are threatening to chance them from the houses which they are renting.

He says currently they are about 500 junior doctors rendering service in several government health facilities but none of them has been paid for the last three Month.

He says if government fails to pay them by tomorrow on Friday they will lay down their tools.

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The poor state of Iganga hospital

The Health committee also recommends for increase of health workers lunch allowances. The MPs observed that since 1996, health workers continue to receive 66,000 and 44,000 shillings for Doctors and nurses respectively as
their monthly lunch allowances yet the cost of living and inflation has gone up.
The committee members recommended that lunch allowance for nurses, Doctors and other health workers be revised to 288,000 shillings to cater lunch at a unit cost of 12,000 shillings.

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Officiating at the launch of the two guidelines in Kampala today, the health minister reminds the health practitioners that these guidelines are fully and clearly prescribing the basic treatment a health worker should use while proving health care to a patient which adds on to their already acquired knowledge from medical school and cautions them not to shelve the guidelines.

Dr. Ruth Aceng

The assistant commission pharmacy in the health ministry, Dr.Seru Morris adds that the two guidelines are having new disease guides which were not included in the old edition among them being, TB, Diabetes, Sickle cells, Monopoles, prostate, nutrition, nodding disease among other non communicable diseases and their respective treatment guidelines and at which health center levels.

But the end users of these guidelines at the respective health facilities now recommend that govt ensures that the information in the guidelines is well disseminated to health workers and officers across the country for effective use if health service provision is to improve,explains Ivan Kamya. 

The two guidelines which are to be distributed to govt and private health facilities, training schools, respective health practitioners associations are geared towards promoting high quality health care by guiding health medicine supplies, equipment supplies as used for treatment.

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Its always good to find out the cause. It’s important to figure out where your vaginal odor is from. Just because your vagina smells a little bad doesn’t mean you have something serious. It could be caused by your menstrual cycle, sweat, or hormonal changes.

Nevertheless, there could be more serious reasons for vaginal odor such as yeast infections, gonorrhea, bacterial vaginosis, STI’s, or overall poor hygiene. If your vaginal odor isn’t going away after a few days, that’s when you should be taking it seriously.

Don’t be deceived by anyone, there are very many symptoms of vaginal odor. The human body is a magnificent thing. If you’re not sure if you’re experiencing vaginal odor, look at the symptoms: itchiness around the vagina, redness, and a fishy smell. These are usually accompanied by vaginal odor. But again sometimes the odor can be caused by laundry detergent on your underwear or perfume products you’ve been using. So you need to pay a clear attention to the little things that happen to you.

You should also always remember to stay hydrated, this is because if your body dehydrates, it’s unable to flush out the toxins in your body. Drink eight to ten glasses of water a day to make sure your body is properly hydrated. Sometimes, vaginal odor can be caused by excess sugar in the body and water helps remove sugar. The most important part is you need to always keep up with your hygiene.

Maybe your vaginal odor is just because you need a shower. It can really be that simple. If it’s hot outside, I know, you’re to lazy to shower, but think about your vagina. So, the best way to maintain vaginal health is to make sure it’s clean. You don’t need any fancy shower gels or perfumes, just soap and water. Use tea tree oil, i know that tea tree oil smells incredibly strong. However, this is the gem of all gems.

Tea tree oil is an anti-fungal and antibacterial, so if you’re looking for a great remedy, this is one of them. Pour two teaspoons into a glass of water. Now, soak a tampon in the mixture and place it into your vagina. Keep it in there for a couple minutes. If you’re going to shower, do this an hour before. Repeat this for a week. You’ll be good to go.

You can also use garlic. Combat a smelly vagina with smelly garlic. Not a lot of people know the power of garlic, but now let me tell you, it works. Garlic’s a great anti-bacterial. Make fresh garlic paste by crushing a couple cloves. Then apply the paste to your vaginal walls. Keep it on your vaginal walls for about 10 minutes. Have a bath after you’re finished with the garlic paste. If your vaginal odor is caused by a bacteria, this certainly kills it.

You can also use apple cider vinegar. Not only for for salads, you can use it for your vagina. Now, you’ll never look at salads the same way. You want to make a bath with half a cup of apple cider vinegar mixed in. Sit for 10-15 minutes. Apple cider vinegar helps balance the vagina’s pH levels, which helps to eliminate the odor.

Yogurt is also one of those things that can be used. One of the tastier remedies, I must say. If you love yogurt, then you’ll love this one. Yogurt helps control the pH levels in the vagina which helps control the odor. You can eat the yogurt and you can also soak a tampon in yogurt and then insert it, keeping it in your vagina for five minutes. Then rinse the vagina after, do this for a week.

Citrus fruits also help you decrease or prevent vaginal odor. You will need to keep up with your citrus food intake. This means, lemons, oranges, grapefruits, pineapples. They’re all high in vitamin C and help strengthen your immune system, helping to fight vaginal odor.

You should also avoid certain things. If you’re suffering from vaginal odors, then do not go and eat foods that will only make it worse. But, what foods are bad, you ask? Well, stay away from anything spicy, blue cheese, onion, cabbage, and broccoli. It’s been shown these foods enhance the smell of the vagina. So, while you’re getting rid of your vaginal odor, leave these foods out of your diet. Oh, and stay away from fish and meat. It doesn’t help either.

You can also drink turmeric. Turmeric is an amazing spice for its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Use it in a tablet form, or I recommend taking a teaspoon of it and mixing it into a glass of milk. Drink it before you go to bed, and it’ll do the rest of the work for you. You should also avoid having sex during that time. If you’re having an issue with vaginal odor at the moment and aren’t sure why, then don’t have sex. It’s best to give your vagina a break. Honestly, don’t torture the person having sex with you. Wait a week, let your vagina heal and then you get back on the horse. If all these fail to work for you know when to see a doctor. If you’ve tried the remedies and nothing seems to be working, you may need antibiotics, depending on what is causing it. Give it a week, and if it gets worse then go to your doctor. They’ll be able to diagnose you and give you something that’s stronger. Sometimes, we have smelly vaginas. It happens all of us. All you need to do is recognize it and use one of these remedies to get rid of vaginal odor. You’ll be brand new in no time. Remember to take very good care of your health.

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The world of healthy living starts with healthy eating. If you are willing to make a few small changes in your diet then you will be able to shed all those extra pounds.

Therefor here are some 10 ways that can help you choose a healthy living lifestyle by making small changes in your diet to help you loose weight.

Do not skip breakfast

If you are skipping your breakfast for the sake of losing weight then you need to really think again. Not having your breakfast actually intensifies your hunger. You will end up wanting more food than usual in your next meal. Follow a method of having the same meals every single day. Repeating the same meal helps you lose all those extra pounds. Your body also adapts more easily with the same nutrition that you are having. Include nuts and fruits like banana in your breakfast diet regime. So please remember not to skip your breakfast tomorrow.

Do some sit ups during commercials

When you are on a diet you need to at least help yourself.  Next time when you are watching your favorite show, keep the remote far from the reach of your hand. Next step is taking the time off during the commercial hours to do some more stretching. Do whatever that would make you feel light like simply skipping, dancing, or even moving up and down the stairs. Keep on pushing yourself until you run out of breath.

Learning how to say no to fatty food will also help you.

We all know the irresistible factor of all the creamy delicious foods we see at the bakeries. It is a bit tough to get rid of our sweet carvings instantly, but it is not altogether impossible. List your favorite food items and mark those items that you possibly cannot stay without. Now cut down one food item short of the list.

That way, week after week you will be able to cut down in your cravings one at a time. Your body will also be able to cope up with the changes. Now start including fruits, vegetables in your diet. Start slow and you will notice the difference soon enough.

Take the stairs

Most of us get too lazy to take the stairs. All thanks to the wonders of technology. Next time skip the lift if you seriously looking to lose weight. Take the stairs. You should at least be climbing stairs for two to three minutes every single day. It miraculously helps in losing more pounds than you could ever expect.

Walk as much as you can

Next time when you are on your shopping therapy do make sure to take walks alongside. Do this simple trick next time you go out. Do not park your car in the usual parking lot. Instead park it a mile away from where you are headed to. That way when you are getting back, you will get to walk that extra mile, sweat it out and lose some pounds.

Enjoy every bite

Enjoying and savoring every bit of what you eat curbs your hunger. When you sit down to eat do not gobble down you food. Instead start with a small bite and chew it down slowly taking your time. When you take the time to enjoy every bite, you tend to feel more satisfied and filled. Doing this routine won’t let you reach out for more food; instead you will be happy and contented.

Include fruits in your diet.

All the dieticians will ask you to include fruits in your diet and why not? Fruits are wholesome and healthy. Having fruits daily will not only improve your skin texture but will also keep your stomach and brain engaged. Including fruits in your diet and having it in small portions throughout the day will help you stay energized as well. Eating the fruits will keep you satisfied for longer hours.

Drink lots of water

Everybody knows the essentials of drinking water. It’s been tried and tested over the years that drink two cups of water before you start eating your meal will help you lose weight. It tricks your stomach into believing that your stomach is full and making you eat lesser than usual. So drink more water and stay healthy.

Treat yourself sometimes

Dieting does not mean starving yourself to death. Everyone is entitled to let their guilty take over them once in a while. Treating yourself to small treats once in a while won’t harm you. Just remember to keep certain limitations for the treats. Try to include food items that have not more than 150 calories.

Include fish in your diet

Having fish is very healthy. Skip the red meat and instead opt for fish. It is filled with Omega-3 properties that helps in boosting one’s memory and fight against inflammation in the body. It keeps you not only light but also keeps you satisfied for long hours together.

These are some of the few small changes that you can make in order to help you lose weight gradually . Small contributions each day makes up for greater changes, so take small steps every that will help you yield great results tomorrow.

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