First mosquito observatory network to be launched in Africa

 First mosquito observatory network to be launched in Africa

 By Hope Mafaranga

The University of Glasgow, in partnership with leading research institutes across Africa and Europe, is spearheading the first interconnected observatory network for mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases in Africa.

 

The new transformative initiative, which will be called VectorGrid-Africa, is backed by €6.1 million from the EU’s HORIZON/EDCTP programme and will initially focus on five countries in the east and southern areas of Africa: Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa and Madagascar.

 

The team of scientists behind the initiative hope the project will improve our understanding of mosquito-borne diseases in the region and will focus on the spread of known mosquito species, as well as undetected and unknown species.

 

The initiative will create the first-ever large-scale, open-access, high-quality dataset on mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases in the region and will support rapid detection of invasive species, emerging pathogens and genetic changes.

 

VectorGrid-Africa will also directly strengthen mosquito control and disease-risk forecasting in the region, where the fight against mosquito-borne diseases is currently hampered by the absence of comprehensive, long-term, and high-quality datasets. This lack of information hinders scientists’ overall understanding of how diseases are transmitted, along with the impact other factors have on disease spread, including climate change, deforestation, urbanisation and mosquito control interventions such as insecticide.

 

Managed by local African institutions to ensure the network is sustainable in the long term, the observatory, in local monitoring sites, will collect data on mosquito densities, species diversity, host preferences, transmitted diseases, and genomic variations, including insecticide resistance, alongside critical climatic, human, and other environmental factors.

 

VectorGrid-Africa will also train African scientists to perform advanced entomological and genomic analyses on site, avoiding the need to send any samples abroad.

 

Although the World Health Organisation (WHO) advocates for surveillance as a core intervention against vector-borne diseases, most low-income countries lack the financial and technical capacity to implement this on a large scale. The VectorGrid initiative will seek to address this by collating data on a range of mosquito-borne diseases across five countries in Africa.

 

Professor Fredros Okumu, VectorGrid-Africa principal investigator and Professor of Vector Biology at the University of Glasgow, said, “The University of Glasgow, along with all our collaborators, is thrilled to see the launch of VectorGrid-Africa, which is an important step forward in monitoring mosquito-borne disease transmission in Africa.

 

“The work of the initiative, not just in tracking invasive mosquito species and monitoring natural mutations, is pivotal to long-term vector control efforts and to better understanding insecticide resistance and transmission dynamics.”

 

Dr Ally Olotu, Director of Science at the Ifakara Health Institute, said, "The establishment of the VectorGrid-Africa observatory network is a monumental step forward in our battle against mosquito-borne diseases across East and Southern Africa. By strengthening in-country capacity to collect, analyse, and interpret high-quality, standardised data on mosquitoes and pathogens, we are not only addressing a critical gap in surveillance but also empowering our own scientists to drive solutions.

 

“This initiative will provide invaluable insights for Tanzania and the wider region, enabling us to better understand transmission dynamics, anticipate the impacts of climate change, and develop more effective, localised interventions to safeguard public health."

 

The power behind me: How my mentors shaped the professional i am today

 

By Hope Mafaranga

If you see me thriving today navigating complex conversations, telling untold stories, or stepping into leadership with clarity and confidence it’s not because I walked alone.

My journey has been anchored, nurtured, and propelled by five phenomenal mentors: Declan Okpalaeke, Jacqueline Asiimwe, Joan Mugenzi, Barbra Kaija, and Dr. Charles Wendo.

Each of them came into my life at different seasons, and each left a permanent mark, not just on my career, but on my character, values, and vision. Today, I celebrate them.

Declan Okpalaeke: The Investigative Firestarter

Declan didn’t just shape me into a better journalist, he made me fearless. As one of Africa’s finest investigative journalists, his mentorship challenged me to dig deeper, question harder, and write with purpose.

He taught me to think like a watchdog and to use journalism not just to inform, but to reform. Declan pushed me to elevate my storytelling, sharpen my facts, and never settle for mediocrity. I owe my boldness in the newsroom to him.

Jacqueline Asiimwe: The Purpose-Driven Pathfinder

Jacqueline’s mentorship helped me find alignment between my career and my calling. She’s not only a fierce advocate for justice and gender equity she’s a living embodiment of courageous leadership.

From her, I’ve learned that integrity isn’t optional, that values must lead every decision, and that it’s okay to lead with heart. Jacqueline continues to inspire me to take up space boldly, speak up for the voiceless, and never shrink myself to fit outdated systems.

Joan Mugenzi: The Inner Work Whisperer

When the world gets too loud or the pressure too much, I hear Joan’s voice urging me to return to my center. A masterful coach and strategic thinker, Joan helped me realize that leadership is as much about self-awareness as it is about skill. She taught me to slow down, reflect, and lead from a place of wholeness. Thanks to her, I understand the power of resilience, clarity, and protecting my peace while pursuing purpose.

Barbra Kaija: The Editorial Trailblazer

Barbra has been a beacon in my journalism journey. As Uganda’s first female Editor-in-Chief, her story alone is enough to inspire. But it’s her quiet strength, razor-sharp editorial eye, and commitment to ethical storytelling that shaped my newsroom discipline.

Barbra believed in my voice even before I fully did. She raised the bar and taught me that good journalism is not just about speed—it’s about depth, accuracy, and impact. She helped me see the weight of the stories we tell.

Dr. Charles Wendo: The bridge between science and storytelling

Dr. Wendo brought a new dimension to my craft—science journalism. His mentorship made the complex simple, the technical accessible, and the scientific deeply human. With his guidance, I learned how to connect facts to feelings, and evidence to everyday life.

He showed me how journalism can serve public health, climate action, and innovation. Dr. Wendo challenged me to grow beyond my comfort zone and trust my ability to engage with complex subjects without losing clarity or empathy.

Each of these mentors offered me something unique—Declan sharpened my edge, Jacqueline anchored my values, Joan nurtured my resilience, Barbra modeled excellence, and Dr. Wendo expanded my range.

So, when I rise, I rise with their voices in my head, their lessons in my hands, and their belief in my spirit.

And that is the kind of legacy only great mentors leave behind.

Smoking into your grave: 7.36 million deaths caused by tobacco in 2023, Global Burden of Disease Study shows

 

Smoking into your grave: 7.36 million deaths caused by tobacco in 2023, Global Burden of Disease Study shows

By Hope Mafaranga

New research presented at the World Conference on Tobacco Control, hosted by the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (the Union) with support from Bloomberg Philanthropies and the World Health Organization (WHO), reveals that despite decades of progress, tobacco remains a leading risk factor for death globally – reinforcing the urgency of sustained, evidence-based tobacco control as a cornerstone of global health and development.

Researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington shared new data from the Global Burden of Disease Study, revealing the staggering and persistent toll of tobacco exposure on global health. Researchers found that tobacco use was responsible for 7.36 million deaths and over 200 million disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) worldwide in 2023.

The study also highlighted stark disparities globally: while countries like the United Kingdom saw a 45% decline in tobacco-attributable deaths since 1990, others, such as Egypt, experienced a dramatic rise, showing that decades of control efforts, tobacco remains the leading risk factor for death among men globally and ranks seventh among women.

“Tobacco exposure is one of the most significant risk factors identified in the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023, contributing to approximately 1 in 8 deaths worldwide,” said Brooks Morgan, researcher at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.

“While some countries are seeing encouraging declines in tobacco-related deaths, others are heading in the opposite direction. These trends highlight the urgent need for accelerated implementation and stronger enforcement of strategies proven to reduce tobacco use, such as the MPOWER measures recommended by the WHO.”

The findings underscore the urgent need for intensified global action and policy implementation to curb tobacco’s deadly impact and align with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Additionally, researchers from China presented promising results from an AI-driven personalised mobile health (mHealth) intervention, designed to support smoking cessation. Developed using machine learning, the system delivers tailored messages and interactive tools – such as games and peer insights – based on each user’s quitting stage and preferences.

In a randomised controlled trial involving 272 smokers, the intervention group achieved a quit rate more than double that of the control group (17.6% vs. 7.4%). Participants also reported a significant drop in daily cigarette consumption and high satisfaction with the programme.

 

“In China, over 50 million smokers want to quit, yet most lack access to effective cessation services. Our study shows the significant potential of personalized ‘mHealth’ interventions to transform smoking cessation efforts.

By combining machine learning with behavior change theory, we created an intervention that can deliver cessation messages adapted to each user’s stage of quitting, preferences and needs in real time.

The system also has some interactive features, like decision-balancing games, which help boost motivation and engagement,” said Prof. Pinpin Zheng, professor and director of the Department of Preventive Medicine and Health Education in the School of Public Health, Fudan University.

“More than 80% of participants reported being satisfied with the system. These findings highlight how theory-based, technology-driven solutions can bridge the gap in cessation services and provide cost-effective, wide-reaching strategies to empower smokers to quit.”

The AI-driven, user-centric approach was shown to offer a scalable, evidence-based model for expanding cessation support in China and globally, addressing a critical gap in access to support for smokers in China who want to quit – of which there are over 50 million.

Researchers from the German Cancer Research Center presented new evidence on the cross-border marketing of Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) on social media, revealing stark contrasts shaped by national regulatory frameworks.

Using media monitoring tools, the study analysed public posts across five platforms in the UK, Ireland, and Germany. While no promotional content was found in Ireland - where HTPs are regulated as tobacco products - nearly half of the posts in the UK and Germany promoted HTPs, primarily through commercial accounts.

The findings showed that Germany had a notably higher proportion of youth- and female-targeted content, and that marketing strategies varied by country, from price promotions in the UK to product design features in Germany.

The research highlights the urgent need for harmonised regulation, suggesting that classifying HTPs as conventional tobacco products, as is done in Ireland, could significantly reduce their online promotion and appeal.

“Our study reveals notable differences in the social media promotion of heated tobacco products (HTPs) - differences shaped by both regulatory frameworks and market presence. In Ireland, no promotional content was identified on social media, but commercial promotion of HTPs on social media was widespread in the UK and Germany - including content that may appeal to youth and women,” said Zauraiz Lone, Doctoral Researcher at the German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University.

“Promotional activity focusing on heating devices without explicitly showing tobacco sticks reveals exploitation of policy fragmentation and regulatory ambiguities. These findings highlight the importance of addressing enforcement gaps and revisiting how product categories are defined and regulated. Strengthening digital marketing regulation and closing definitional loopholes are essential for reducing exposure, limiting uptake among younger populations, and supporting public health goals.”

Academics from the Institute of Clinical and Health Effectiveness (IECS) in Argentina also unveiled new modelling data quantifying the devastating toll of tobacco use in five low- and middle-income countries: Bolivia, Honduras, Nigeria, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

They found that in 2023 alone, tobacco was responsible for 41,000 deaths, 360,000 disease events, and over 1.3 million years of healthy life lost, costing these countries a combined US$4.3 billion in medical expenses, lost productivity, and informal caregiving.

Using a microsimulation model, the study projected that full implementation of four key tobacco control strategies - tax increases, plain packaging, advertising bans, and smoke-free environments - could avert up to 234,000 deaths and save as much as US$2 billion over the next decade.

“Our research, led by IECS in Argentina, is the result of a strong collaborative effort with partners from Bolivia, Honduras, Nigeria, Paraguay, and Uruguay—countries that are deeply committed to tackling the tobacco epidemic.” Said Natalia Espinola, Coordinator of Health Economics at IECS.

“In 2023 alone, smoking caused over 41,000 deaths and generated nearly 4.3 billion dollars in direct and indirect costs—equivalent to around 1% of the countries' combined GDP. The message is clear: countries must fully implement proven tobacco control policies. Our findings confirm that raising tobacco taxes, enforcing smoke-free spaces, banning advertising, and mandating plain packaging are not only effective—they save lives and bring major economic benefits.”

The findings demonstrate the urgent need for data-driven policy action to reduce the health and economic burden of tobacco in LMICs and accelerate progress toward global development goals.

Cassandra Kelly-Cirino, Executive Director of the Union, said: “The research showcased today at the World Conference on Tobacco Control is a powerful reminder that tobacco remains one of the most devastating public health threats of our time – there is no such thing as a healthy tobacco product, and reduced risk all too often just means increased profit for industry. We must take a zero-tolerance approach.

“The evidence presented at this conference demonstrates that when we invest in data-driven, locally tailored interventions, we save lives. The Union is very proud to support and amplify this work which strengthens the global case for urgent, sustained tobacco control.”

World leaders recommit to immunisation amid global funding shortfall

World leaders recommit to immunisation amid global funding shortfall

By Hope Mafaranga

 World leaders who are meeting in Brussels have pledged support for Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, leading to a total of more than US$ 9 billion secured against a targeted US$ 11.9 billion budget for its next five-year strategic period from 2026 to 2030.

 Additional donor commitments are expected in the coming months. 

 The Summit also resulted in US$ 4.5 billion in complementary financing unlocked from development finance institutions, up to US$ 200 million in cost savings for Gavi-supported programmes announced by vaccine manufacturers alongside other innovation and supply commitments that will further boost equitable access to critical vaccines, and a range of private sector partnerships aimed at transforming immunisation systems in lower income countries including a US$ 40 million anchor commitment towards a new Innovation Scale-Up Fund.

 June 26, 2025’s commitments bring Gavi a major step closer to securing the resources it needs for Gavi 6.0, in which it hopes to protect 500 million children from preventable disease, averting between 8-9 million future deaths, protecting the world from deadly outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, mpox and Ebola through its vaccine stockpiles and unlocking US$ 100 billion in economic benefits for countries. 

 The Summit, co-hosted by the European Union, Gates Foundation, and Gavi, in partnership with Global Citizen, was attended by representatives of 55 donor and implementing countries including 10 heads of state and government and 24 ministers as well as leaders from multilateral institutions, civil society, private sector and vaccine industry.

 Co-hosts the European Union and the Gates Foundation reaffirmed their leadership in global health by making strong commitments to Gavi.

 The Gates Foundation announced a commitment of US$ 1.6 billion, underscoring its enduring partnership in Gavi’s efforts to ensure child survival. 

 The European Commission pledged EUR 360 million, as part of a total pledge of more than EUR 2 billion from Team Europe  which includes the EU and its Member States collectively the largest donor to Gavi. At the Summit, the European Investment Bank (EIB) announced an extension of its EUR 1 billion liquidity facility that can be accessed by any donor to facilitate their pledge, while Team Europe has already pledged nearly EUR 800 million for Gavi’s African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator (AVMA) to support local vaccine manufacturing. 

 Record number of donors

In addition to the co-hosts, the Summit saw a record number of new donors step forward to support Gavi’s next strategic cycle (2026-2030). With some of Gavi’s existing donors unable to announce commitments due to a need to align pledging with their own domestic budgetary cycles, this broad base of support will provide critical momentum for Gavi as it continues to mobilise resources in pursuit of its US$ 11.9 billion fundraising target.

 With Gavi’s implementing countries expected to invest a record US$ 4 billion towards their immunisation programmes over the coming five years, the Summit had strong representation from leaders pledging support and political commitment towards Gavi’s model of sustainable co-financing and secure supply through a diversified manufacturing base, including increased manufacturing capacity in Africa.

The Summit also saw enthusiastic engagement in discussions on reform of the global health architecture. Gavi, which is implementing its own transformative reform programme called the Gavi Leap, has offered to play a lead role in shaping a dialogue on how to evolve the current landscape so that it better serves countries, and to take proactive steps in forging closer collaboration with its partner agencies.  

 Call to action

Leaders from all co-hosts of the Summit urged existing donors unable to pledge today as well as potential new donors to step forward to help Gavi reach its target of US$ 11.9 billion.

 Failure to fully fund Gavi will have significant consequences on the health and well-being of children in lower-income countries, as well as on global health security.

 

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission said: "Investing in health is investing in our shared future. Our work with Gavi saves lives. For over 20 years, we have stood side by side, with the European Union contributing over EUR 3.2 billion to vaccinate more than 1 billion children against deadly diseases. But millions still need this vital protection.

Today, Team Europe is pledging more than EUR 2 billion. The EU remains committed to this mission so that children across the world are safer, healthier and stronger. This is global solidarity in action.”

 António Costa, President of the European Council said: “Today’s summit is a powerful reminder that global health security is a shared responsibility. Immunisation is one of its strongest foundations. We have to ensure that every person, everywhere, has access to vaccines. The European Union is proud to stand at the forefront of this global effort, helping raise resources and forging innovative partnerships that will save lives, protect communities and promote prosperity. Through Gavi, we are investing not just in vaccines, but in the preparedness and resilience of health systems worldwide.  Together with our partners, we are building a more secure and equitable global health architecture. The EU remains firm in its commitment to leaving no one behind.”

 

Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation said: “In a constrained budget environment, it’s even more important to focus aid funding on the investments that really work. And Gavi is exactly that. I don’t know of anything with a higher impact per dollar in terms of saving and improving lives. Gavi is one of the best investments I’ve ever made and one of the best investments countries can make today in the world’s future.”

 

José Manuel Barroso, Board Chair, Gavi said: “Today is a good day for immunisation and a good day for global health. We have made impressive progress towards fully funding our next strategic period, secured vital access to finance for health systems investment and seen important progress that will shape vaccine markets and revolutionize last mile delivery. I want to thank all our donors and stakeholders that have stepped up to pledge towards a successful Gavi 2026-2030 period.”

 Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO, Gavi said: “I have been humbled by the support shown to Gavi today. As Gavi enters a new strategic period, a period which will see radical change to the way we support countries and converge with our partners at the last mile, we can do so with the confidence that not only our donors, but Gavi countries, the private sector and all other stakeholders stand with us as we build a healthier, more prosperous future."

 

 

Unitaid commits $50M to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030

Unitaid commits $50M to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030 

By Hope Mafaranga 

With just five years left to meet global 2030 targets for cervical cancer elimination, Unitaid is launching a new phase of work to help countries accelerate progress. 

Announced at the Global Forum on Cervical Cancer Elimination, held in Indonesia yesterday, Unitaid will commit an immediate $18m part of a broader $50m package through 2026 to support countries across four continents scale up life-saving screening and early treatment.  

This comes at a critical moment. While human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination protects younger generations who have not yet been exposed to the virus, hundreds of millions of women worldwide are at risk and need timely access to screening and treatment. 

Without it, cervical cancer will remain one of the leading though most preventable causes of cancer death for women in low- and middle-income countries.  

Marisol Touraine, Chair of Unitaid’s Executive Board, said the new investments are designed to fast-track elimination efforts in a subset of countries, while supporting solutions that are country-owned, regionally tailored, and globally relevant. 

Touraine said a strong learning agenda and a focus on health financing challenges will ensure that progress goes beyond small-scale implementation and individual countries, benefiting systems, communities and regions.  

Building on more than six years of experience, Unitaid and its partners will support governments to expand access to affordable HPV testing and portable treatment devices, develop national strategies, and bring services closer to women whether in remote villages, island states, or urban clinics.   

“This is more than a financial commitment. It is a strategic response to what countries have told us they need: affordable diagnostics, decentralized treatment, and support for solutions designed and led at the national level. With this new phase of work, we are reaffirming our commitment to equity, innovation, and women’s health. The tools exist, the will is growing and what’s needed now is aligned, concrete action,” he said.  

Programmes are now launching across Africa, Asia, the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean.  

One of the programmes is the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) that will enhance support in Rwanda and South Africa, where governments are putting forward ambitious plans to meet 2030 elimination targets, while progress in India, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, have also prioritized elimination.  

Expertise France will help build resilient secondary prevention services for cervical cancer in Myanmar, support the Government of the Philippines in its elimination efforts by exploring effective delivery models in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, and strengthen regional advocacy and cancer treatment capacity through collaboration with the National Cancer Center of Japan.  

In Latin America and the Caribbean, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) will aid efforts to scale up services and lower the cost of HPV tests by leveraging the PAHO Regional Revolving Fund, a regional procurement mechanism accessible to all countries. 

In Asia and the Pacific, the Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO) will offer targeted technical assistance to Lao, Mongolia, and Papua New Guinea. Additionally, access will be expanded via catalytic donations of thermal ablation devices used for removing precancerous lesions across several Pacific Island countries. 

“In South Africa, we are committed to scaling up access to screening and treatment through our public health system alongside HPV vaccination efforts which have benefitted over 4 million girls,” said Dr. Lesley Bamford, National Department of Health, South Africa. 

“As a country, we welcome Unitaid’s continued support in bringing these tools closer to the women who need them. Eliminating cervical cancer is not only possible – it is essential to advancing health equity and strengthening our broader goal of universal health coverage.” 

In parallel to country-level support, Unitaid will address some of the greatest barriers to scale: fragmented markets, uneven pricing and constrained financing, while enabling South-South collaboration and community voices to ensure countries have the tools, evidence and support needed to deliver at speed and scale.  

These efforts are designed to help countries reach the WHO’s 90-70-90 targets for elimination – 90% of girls vaccinated, 70% of women screened, and 90% of those in need receiving treatment – to make cervical cancer the first cancer ever eliminated. 

Dr Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO said through PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds, HPV vaccines, HPV tests and ablative treatment devices are available to our Member States at one unique price regardless of the purchase size. 

“PAHO’s commitment to support Member States in reaching the elimination targets for 90% HPV vaccine coverage, 70% screening coverage and 90% treatment coverage is reinforced by the PAHO Disease Elimination Initiative,” he Barbosa.

Jeremie Pellet, CEO of expertise France said: “We are proud to continue this crucial work on cervical cancer prevention with Unitaid, whose trust since 2020 has been key. By scaling up a proven model in Myanmar and the Philippines, Expertise France is deepening its impact, contributing to the global elimination goal, and affirming its role as a leading force in the fight against cervical cancer.” 

Jeremy Farrar, ADG, Division of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control at the WHO   said no woman should be left behind in accessing life-saving tools to prevent and treat cervical cancer. Achieving this goal requires collective action. 

“WHO welcomes Unitaid’s continued leadership and investment helping countries turn innovation into impact, faster. With governments, civil society, and partners like Unitaid, we can save lives faster and make cervical cancer elimination a reality,” he said. 

Illicit alcohol crisis in Uganda: 65% of alcohol is unsafe, unregulated, and deadly

 Illicit alcohol crisis in Uganda: 65% of alcohol is unsafe, unregulated, and deadly.

By Hope Mafaranga

 A damning new report has exposed the true scale of Uganda’s alcohol crisis, revealing that nearly two-thirds of all alcohol consumed in the country is unsafe, unregulated, and often laced with toxic substances.

 The report, titled “Public Health Implications of the Harmful Consumption of Illicit Alcohol in Uganda,” was jointly released by the Coalition Against Illicit Alcohol Uganda (CAIA-UG) and the Arrow Empirical Research Institute.

Based on extensive fieldwork and laboratory analyses conducted in Kampala City and Arua district, the white paper presents alarming evidence that 65% of alcohol consumed in Uganda is illicit, posing severe health risks and social challenges, especially among the youth and low-income communities.

“This is not just a public health emergency. It is a crisis of dignity, a tragedy of wasted potential, and a national wake-up call,” warned Dr. Kennedy Niwagaba, Director of Research at Arrow Empirical Research and Skills Enhancement.

The toxic reality

Dr. Niwagaba said that illicit alcohol is omnipresent, found in homes, at funerals, on street corners, and during celebrations. It's predominantly unbranded, made outside the legal framework, and lacks any regulatory oversight for quality and safety.

The report indicates that 83% of surveyed patrons had consumed illicit alcohol in the previous week.

 

From left  is Prof. Tumwesugye, Dr. Niwagaba, Dr. Kamaara and Prof. Sidebe during the launch of the White paper at Sheraton Hotel. Photo by Hope Mafaranga 

Laboratory tests showed that many of the sampled spirits had alcohol by volume (ABV) levels exceeding 44.2%, with some samples containing dangerously high levels of methanol up to 640.59 mg/L. This is far above the World Health Organisation’s recommended methanol threshold of 50 mg/L for human consumption.

 “High ABV causes liver cirrhosis, esophageal and other cancers,” Dr. Niwagaba said. “Methanol, in such quantities, leads to blindness, organ failure, and even death.”

He added that exposure to this toxic brew has significantly contributed to rising hospital admissions, mental health deterioration, family conflicts, and addiction among Ugandans, particularly men over the age of 25. These men have shown increased prevalence of liver cirrhosis and esophageal cancer.

 A nation drinking itself sick

The report notes that 13% of all respondents showed signs of alcohol dependence, and four in ten people admitted to drinking every single day.

Alarmingly, 58% of men and 42% of women surveyed were daily consumers of illicit alcohol.

Brewing sites were also found to be operating under hazardous and unsanitary conditions.

 

 

 A senior lawyer Fred Muwema interacting with Dr. Catherine Mwebesa during the launch of the White paper

“In both Kampala and Arua, we saw alcohol being brewed using unsafe water and unclean tools in dirty environments. This puts people at risk of foodborne illnesses like diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea,” Dr. Niwagaba noted.

A social and economic scourge

Professor Myriam Sidibe, co-chair of CAIA-UG, said illicit alcohol has silently devastated families and communities, costing lives and sabotaging development.

“Uganda is losing generations to unregulated alcohol produced under unsafe conditions. This is not just a public health crisis; it is a human rights issue,” Sidibe said.

She emphasized that illicit spirits are widely available and sold in plastic bottles for as little as 1,000 shillings, making them dangerously affordable.

Consumers reportedly drink up to 3.4 liters per session, often using alcohol as an escape from stress, poverty, and unemployment.

 “For too long, illicit alcohol has operated in the shadows, devastating lives, stealing futures, and weakening the very fabric of our society. It’s driving preventable deaths, hospitalizations, gender-based violence, economic hardship, and addiction,” she said.

 Children and youth endangered

National data shows that 61% of alcohol users began drinking before turning 18, with 31% starting as early as 14.

Despite legal prohibitions, underage drinking remains rampant. Dr. Niwagaba said 19% of illicit alcohol producers admitted to selling to minors, while 39% of patrons reported first drinking alcohol before the age of 18.

He also said early alcohol use has also been linked to unsafe sex, cognitive impairment, criminal behavior, and poor academic performance.

Prof. Nazarius Tumwesigye from Makerere University School of Public Health painted a worrying picture among youth.

He said 30.8% of adolescent boys and young men aged 10–24 in Kampala reported ever consuming alcohol, with 10.5% having drunk alcohol in the past 30 days.

“In Kampala’s slums, 31% of youth aged 12–18 reported drinking in the past year, with many showing signs of problem drinking,” Tumwesigye said.

He also noted that 35.2% of university students reported alcohol use, with 7% categorized as high-end users. Adverse childhood experiences such as neglect, violence, and hunger have also been identified as major drivers of early alcohol initiation in urban poor communities.

Calls for stronger policies and enforcement

Juliet Namukasa, chairperson of the Uganda Alcohol Policy Alliance (UAPA), called for urgent government intervention, including stricter laws, better enforcement, and more public education.

  “Although the legal drinking age is 18, enforcement is weak. We propose raising it to 21 to protect our youth,” Namukasa said.

She called for strengthening law enforcement and involving local leaders in tackling illegal alcohol operations. “We also need nationwide awareness campaigns to educate the public, especially in low-income areas, about the risks associated with illicit alcohol.”

Dr. Alfred Jatho, head of community cancer services at the Uganda Cancer Institute, urged the government to overhaul alcohol tax policies and direct 5% of excise revenues towards alcohol prevention and rehabilitation services.

“We need to operationalize the National Alcohol Control Policy and support it with strong legislation. Kenya’s model offers a good example, but we must ensure proper enforcement and funding,” Dr. Jatho said.

He emphasized that the Ministry of Finance must allocate resources and align Uganda’s alcohol control efforts with regional best practices.

National effort needed

Dr. Christine Charity Mwebesa, Special Presidential Assistant in charge of Economic Affairs, said a multi-sectoral approach was crucial to tackling the crisis.

“Stakeholders must work together with government to launch a national initiative that includes strong enforcement, economic alternatives, public education, and youth protection,” she said.

Dr. Nicholas Kamara, chairperson of the Parliamentary Forum on Non-Communicable Diseases, linked Uganda’s growing burden of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer to chronic alcohol abuse.

“I treat patients with these conditions daily, and many of them have a history of alcoholism,” Dr. Kamara said. “This crisis is feeding a surge in non-communicable diseases and mental health disorders.”

However, Margaret Nasanga, the coordinator of UAPA, noted that while the research findings highlight the impact of illicit alcohol, they overlook the significant harm caused by commercial alcohol, particularly through aggressive marketing, affordability, and targeting of young people.

She further emphasized the need for gender-responsive alcohol policies to protect women from alcohol-related harm.

Researchers urge global action to find HIV cure: A call for renewed commitment

 Researchers urge global action to find HIV cure: A call for renewed commitment

 For over four decades, HIV/AIDS has remained one of the most persistent global health challenges, affecting millions of lives despite advancements in treatment and prevention.

While antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed HIV from a fatal disease to a manageable condition, scientists have yet to find a definitive cure.

Now, researchers are intensifying their call for renewed investment, innovation, and global collaboration to accelerate the search for a permanent cure and bring an end to the epidemic.  Hope Mafaranga writes.

Researchers have called for the urgent need to conduct research on an HIV cure as HIV funding keeps on dropping.

The scientists and researchers from 11 countries who are gathering at Speke Resort Munyonyo for the joint Medical Research Council, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Uganda Virus Research Institute for the research and dissemination conference 2025 said HIV has been around for over 40 years, and it's time to embark on and strengthen on research to find an HIV cure to save millions of people who are infected.

Presenting a paper on Understanding the Uganda HIV Epidemic, Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu, the director of the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), called upon researchers to conduct research to improve the control of the HIV epidemic through prevention and care both in Uganda and Africa.

 HIV memory lane

 

Talking about the memory lane and history of HIV in Uganda, he said a national sero-survey conducted in 1987-88 put the average prevalence rates at 9% of the adult population, while in 1987, 86% of sex workers and 33% of lorry drivers studied were HIV positive, and 14% of blood donors and 15% of antenatal clinic attendees in major urban centers were also HIV positive.

 He said the first AIDS cases were identified in 1982 in Rakai District, and the virus responsible for AIDS was identified in 1983 in the country.

Prof. Kaleebu said Uganda is moving towards achieving the 95-95-95; however, the challenge is still on the first 95, where a number of people still do not know their HIV status.

 

Prof. Moffat Nyirenda (C), Director of MRC, sharing a light moment with the conference chairs Assoc. Prof. Eugene Ruzagira (L) and Assoc. Prof. Nambusi Kyegombe (R). Photo by Hope Mafaranga

Adopted by United Nations member states in June 2021, alongside ambitious targets for primary prevention and supporting enablers, the 95–95–95 HIV testing, treatment, and viral suppression aim to close the gaps in HIV treatment coverage.

 

The first 95% was to have people living with HIV know their status, the second 95% was to ensure that people who know their status are receiving treatment, and 95% of people on HIV treatment suppress their viral load.

 “HIV burden is still increasing because HIV epidemic control is not yet attained, but the rate of growth has slowed down as we approach epidemic control,” he said.

 Prof. Kaleebu said there is a trend in new HIV infection reduction, and it's time to focus on HIV cure research to eliminate the pandemic from Uganda.

 “There has been a steady drop in new HIV infections since 2010, but the rate is lower than anticipated under the UN Political Declaration. We need to bend the curve more if we are to meet the 90% drop needed before 2030. HIV cure research is where we need to go now,” he said.

 Govt applauded

 He applauded the government for its quick response, which contributed to the control of the HIV epidemic through different prevention programs and international collaborations.

 “These research collaborations have led to important discoveries that have contributed to national and global policies and new knowledge, “he said.

 He added that the introduction of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) clearly led to improved survival, adding that the future direction should aim at meeting the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat. Over 1.4 million Ugandans are estimated to be living with HIV.

 The minister of health, Dr. Jane Aceng, while opening the conference under the theme “Building on our discoveries, paving a way for a healthier future,” said there is a need to work towards an HIV cure, especially now that partners are withdrawing the funds from Uganda.

 Aceng said for over 90 years, Uganda has been at the forefront of infectious diseases research, contributing to landmark discoveries that have shaped global health policies.

 

Some of the partcipants pose for a picture with the Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng. Photo by Hope Mafaranga 

“From pioneering research on viral pathogens to critical work on non-communicable diseases, we continue to demonstrate that investments in science and innovation yield invaluable returns,” she said.

 She said the government recognizes that science and technology are fundamental to the country’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to both emerging and persistent health challenges.

 “This is why we remain committed to partnerships that enhance our research capacity, promote knowledge exchange, and build resilient health systems,” she said.

 

Dr. Francis Ssali, the deputy executive director at Joint Clinical Research Center (JCRC), said it's high time Uganda understands that the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) will not be here forever and needs to think about a cure.

 “We need to think about how we are going to cure HIV,” he said.

The director of the Medical Research Council (MRC), Prof. Moffat Nyirenda, said finding an HIV vaccine will not be easy because the virus keeps on changing its shape.

“It is a call for a bold action. A call to break new ground, strengthen partnership, innovate, and turn research into real-world impact,” he said.

Prof. Moffat Nyirenda (C), Director of MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit (L), H. E. Tiffany Kirlew (L), Deputy High Commissioner (C), and Liam Smeeth, Director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), interacting during the conference break. Photo by Hope Mafaranga

Capacity building

 Dr. Sam Okware, the Director General of the Uganda National Health Research Organization, said over the years, Uganda has trained and built the capacities of health workers on disease outbreak and management.

 “We have built capacities of our workforce to manage diseases and outbreaks, and as a country, we are in a better position to handle any outbreak,” he said.

 The British deputy high commissioner to Uganda Tiffany Kirlew, expressed strong support for the long-standing collaboration between the UK, the MRC/UVRI, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).

 Kirlew commended the institution for its contribution to scientific research, innovation, and outbreak response, highlighting its emergence as a regional and global authority in public health.

 She highlighted that the UK government has been a committed financial partner for over four decades, supporting ground breaking research and capacity-building efforts in Uganda.

She also acknowledged the impact of the unit on HIV-1 prevention, treatment, and training.

With the ongoing global health challenges, including the rising threat of novel pathogens, noncommunicable diseases, and the economic pressures on healthcare systems from the west, Kirlew stressed the urgent need for regional vaccine manufacturing and medical innovation to address health inequities.

She reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting research and development initiatives that enhance public health and economic resilience in Uganda and beyond.

She recognized this conference as a key platform for discussing advancements, sharing insights, and fostering partnerships.

Kirlew encouraged participants to build on past successes while seizing new opportunities to strengthen health systems, improve global health security, and drive economic growth through medical research and innovation.

H. E. Tiffany Kirlew (L), Deputy High Commissioner of the British High Commission in Kampala, with Dr. Jane Aceng, Minister of Health Uganda, at the Joint Research Dissemination conference 2025 at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala. Photo by Hope Mafaranga