Health
Mak Researchers Design National Drowning Prevention Strategy
By Joseph Odoi
Makerere University researchers under Trauma, Injuries and Disability (TRIAD) Unit) have designed a national drowning prevention strategy. This strategy comes at a time when there is sky rocketing cases of drowning in Africa.
Globally, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death; accounting for 7% of all injuries. Over 90% of the estimated 322,000 annual global drowning deaths occur in low-and middle-income countries.
Although the burden of drowning is believed to be highest in the WHO-African region, data collection and surveillance for drowning in African countries is limited.
In bid to contribute to data driven interventions, Makerere University researchers carried out a study aimed at establishing the availability of drowning data in district-level sources and understanding the reporting of and record keeping on drowning in Uganda.
As part of the study titled: Drowning in Uganda; examining data from administrative sources, researchers engaged various health stakeholders who shared their experiences about drowning and how it can be prevented in communities.
It is upon that background that scholars designed a contextual appropriate strategy for drowning prevention in Uganda under the project titled; Drowning in Uganda; examining data from administrative sources.
According to the researchers, this drowning strategy is first ever in Uganda. ‘’it will be a national document that will guide all the efforts on drowning prevention in the country; and will avoid non-coordinated activities aimed at prevention of drowning. the strategy will also provide for monitoring and evaluation of all activities and interventions for drowning prevention in the country since there will be a government lead agency tasked with this responsibility’ ’explained Mr. Fredrick Oporia who is part of the study team
STRATEGIES TO PREVENT DROWNING
In this study published on semantics scholar among other journals, the researchers came up with the following strategies to counter drowning;
• Setting and enforcing safe boating regulations. • Providing incentives that encourage adherence to boating regulations related to not overloading transport boats and increasing enforcement of boating regulations. • Ensuring boats are fit for purpose and increasing regular inspection of the seaworthiness of boats. • Improving detection and dissemination of information about the weather. • Supporting increased availability and use of lifejackets through subsidy, lifejacket loaner programs, and free lifejacket distribution programs. • Increasing sensitization about safe boating practices, the importance of wearing lifejackets, and limiting alcohol and illicit drug use when boating. Community members, especially children, are vulnerable to drowning in unsafe water sources such as ditches, latrines, wells, and dams. Potential interventions could include: • Modifying access to wells and dams to prevent children or adults from falling in. • Installing boreholes and pumps to enable community members to draw water safely.
Providing safe rescue and resuscitation training to community members and conducting refresher trainings. • Developing and providing low-cost rescue equipment such as boat fenders (rubber and ropes tied to boat on all sides that can assist in the immediate rescue of individuals) and buoyant throwing aids.
To enable ongoing design, implementation, and evaluation of drowning prevention efforts, the researchers note that it is essential to collect data on drowning incidents. Reporting of and record keeping on drowning in Uganda should also be improve according to the researchers namely; Tessa Clemens, Frederick Oporia, Erin M Parker, Merissa, A Yellman, Michael F Ballesteros and Olive Kobusingye
Other Potential interventions highlighted by the researchers include: • Providing records officers with proper training, equipment, and appropriate storage facilities. • Sensitizing the public on the importance of reporting all drowning cases to authorities.
As part of their study findings, the researchers noted that; A total of 1435 fatal and non-fatal drowning cases were recorded; 1009 (70%) in lakeside districts and 426 (30%) in non-lakeside districts.
Of 1292 fatal cases, 1041 (81%) were identified in only one source. After deduplication, 1283 (89% of recorded cases; 1160 fatal, 123 non-fatal) unique drowning cases remained. Data completeness varied by source and variable.
On demographics, fatal victims were predominantly male (85%), and the average age was 24 years. In lakeside districts, 81% of fatal cases with a known activity at the time of drowning involved boating.
What were people doing when they drowned?
Activity at the time of drowning in lakeside districts and non-lakeside districts
• Overall, boating was by far the most common activity that people were engaged in at the time of the drowning incident.
• Other common activities were collecting water/watering cattle and travelling on foot.
• The most common activities that people engaged in prior to drowning were similar in lakeside and non-lakeside districts. However, in non-lakeside districts, more drowning deaths occurred as a result of collecting water or watering cattle than as a result of boating in those districts.
• Almost half (48%) of all drownings occurred while the person was engaged in an occupational activity.
Of the 1,063 people who died from boating-related drowning or suffered a severe boating related drowning incident but survived, 1,007 (95%) were not wearing a lifejacket at the time of the incident.
Bathing in water bodies: Study participants indicated that drowning sometimes occurs when people are bathing in lakes, ponds, swamps, and valley dams. People can unexpectedly slip into deep water from shallower areas or rocks.
Crossing flooded rivers and streams:
Attempting to cross flooded rivers and streams during the rainy season was another cause of drowning identified by study participants.
“Currently, people cross from makeshift bridges such as that of round poles. When the river overflows, it covers them. So, you can’t see them; so, you just start guessing: ‘the pole might be here or there’ and in case your guess is wrong, you automatically drown and you will be gone.” an Interview respondent in Kabale district explained
Delayed rescue attempts: Study participants identified the importance of timely rescue and resuscitation to prevent death from drowning. However, they also indicated that community members lack knowledge on how to rescue someone who is drowning.
Alcohol use: Several participants identified alcohol use as a key risk factor for drowning. Participants stated that alcohol use is common, especially in fishing communities. “We have a problem with alcoholism. Many of our colleagues go to the waters when their minds are a bit twisted by the alcohol and on some occasions, this has caused accidents and some of them have drowned just like that.” – Interview respondent, Nakasongola district.
When asked on strategies of preventing drowning, participants suggested the following strategies for preventing drowning:
• Provide affordable and high-quality lifejackets to all water transport users and fishing communities. • Increase sensitization of fishermen and all water transport users on the importance of using lifejackets and avoiding alcohol while boating. • Provide subsidies for large and motorized boats that can be used for safe water travel and fishing to replace small and low-quality boats that are currently in use.
Inspect boats regularly to ensure they are in good travelling condition. • Recruit and deploy more marine police units on all major water bodies to enhance security and quick response to drowning incidents. • Install boat fenders (rubber and ropes tied to boat on all sides) to assist with the immediate rescue of individuals who are involved in a drowning incident. • Provide frequent and safe ferry services to enable water travellers access to safe transportation across rivers and lakes. • Avoid fishing during the moonlight periods to minimize hippopotamus attacks which are more frequent at that time.
“I think these fishermen really need lifejackets for their work and also need to be sensitized on how to manage the engine of the boats that they use for their work. In most cases, these men just learn how to use these boats without having been trained first.” – Interview respondent, Rakai district. Swimming and basic rescue skills said
Moving forward, the researchers recommend that since; drowning is a multisectoral issue, and all stakeholders (local and national government, water transport, water sport, education, fishing, health, and law enforcement) should coordinate to develop a national water safety strategy and action plan.
MORE ABOUT THE STUDY
The study was conducted in 60 districts of Uganda for a period of 2.5 years (from January 1st, 2016 to June 30th, 2018). In the first phase, records concerning 1,435 drowning cases were found in the 60 study districts.
In the second phase, a total of 2,066 drowning cases were identified in 14 districts by community health workers and confirmed through individual interviews with witnesses/family members/friends and survivors of drowning. This work was funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies through the CDC Foundation
On 2nd December 2024, Assoc. Professor Bruce Kirenga officially took over as Principal of the College of Health Sciences, Makerere University (MakCHS) in a handover ceremony held in the College Board Room. Dr. Kirenga succeeds Professor Damalie Nakanjako, who successfully completed her four-year term.
The ceremony was attended by members of the MakCHS Administrative Board and key university leaders, including Ag. Deputy Vice Chancellor (Finance and Administration) Professor Henry Alinaitwe, Chief of Human Resources, Mr. Deus Tayari Mujuni, & Deputy University Secretary Mr. Simon Kizito, among others.
In her remarks, Professor Nakanjako reflected on her time in office with gratitude and pride since she assumed office in December 2020. She expressed her full support for MakCHS in contributing towards training and research in Makerere University.
Professor Nakanjako thanked the university top management for the support rendered to during her term of office as Principal. I thank family, friends and colleagues who supported and allowed me share my time with the college, especially beyond official hours.
Dr. Kirenga, a pulmonologist, researcher, and founding director of the Makerere University Lung Institute, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Makerere leadership and the search committee for entrusting him with the responsibility of steering the college. He noted; “It’s a true honour to have been entrusted with this role. The search process was rigorous, but I learned so much from the ideas shared by my colleagues—it was a truly honourable competition.”
With a vision for collaboration and growth, Dr. Kirenga outlined his priorities, including improving staffing, improving relationships with teaching hospitals, and addressing infrastructure needs. He emphasized a leadership style rooted in inclusivity and teamwork, saying, “Let’s create a common vision through consultation and work together. I’ll visit every unit in the college to hear directly from staff about their challenges, needs, and ideas for moving forward.”
Dr. Kirenga also shared plans to establish a forum of past leaders to harness their collective wisdom and ensure continuity in leadership.
Four Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) faculty have been inducted for the 2024 Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) fellowship, a preeminent nation’s most respected scientific bodies. This is the first time MakSPH is scooping a large number of faculty fellows, which was the highest for a single institution. This prestigious honor was awarded on Friday, November 1, 2024, at Four Points by Sheraton Kampala, Uganda.
The recipients are;
⦿ Professor David Guwatudde, a Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the MakSPH where he has been teaching for over 32 years. In the last decade, Dr. Guwatudde’s research interest has been on characterising the epidemiology, evaluattion and effectiveness of appropriate interventions for prevention and control of selected non-communicable diseases (NCD) especially diabetes and hypertension.
⦿ Dr. Fredrick Edward Makumbi, an Associate Professor of Biostatistics at MakSPH in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics. A seasoned public health professional in Uganda, he is also a Gates Fellow. Through his expertise in population health and the evaluation of public health interventions, Dr. Makumbi has generated significant evidence that impacts the field. He has published over 300 journal articles and leads the PMA project, which focuses on evaluating schistosomiasis and family planning initiatives in Uganda.
⦿ Dr. David Musoke, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health at MakSPH. He serves as the Chair of the Grants and Research Capacity Building Committee at MakSPH and is the President Elect of the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH). A graduate of Makerere University, his research interests include environmental health, malaria prevention and community health. He organized the first International Community Health Workers symposium which was held in Uganda, and is an academic editor and reviewer for several journals.
⦿ Dr. Victoria Nankabirwa, an experienced clinical researcher and Lecturer in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at MakSPH. She holds a PhD from the University of Bergen and is also a member of the WHO Immunization and Vaccine-related Implementation Research (IVIR) Advisory Committee. Her key interests include mother and child outcomes, particularly survival and the impact of immunization.
UNAS is an independent, non-profit, and non-political organization, established and founded in October 2000 to provide Uganda with credible, balanced, and evidence-driven guidance on matters of science and development. Membership is drawn from distinguished scientists and scholars who have made significant, lifelong contributions across diverse fields, including natural and social sciences, arts, and humanities.
The UNAS Fellowship remains one of the nation’s most respected scientific bodies, with over 200 members working collaboratively in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary fields to address Uganda’s challenges through science and innovation.
Every year, Fellows of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (FUNAS) have an opportunity to nominate potential fellows into the academy based on their merit, impact and contribution of the world of Science. A nomination stands substantive once it is seconded by another FUNAS, after which the nominees go through a rigorous selection process by a highly competent committee of scholars in the academy.
Once selected and inducted, fellows in the academy devote their time on honorific activities and service provision through arbitrating on contentious national debates such as whether to provide free social services to refugees and whether to use DDT to control Malaria. Since inception on October 20, 2000, the UNAS has distinguished itself as a premier honorific society for eminent scientists in Uganda. It leverages on the expertise and stature of its members to provide pro bono evidence-informed advice to government and Ugandans on science, technology, innovation and sustainable development.
Dr. David Serwadda, an Exemplar Scholar of Makerere University who this year received the prestigious Professor Emeritus title presented the new fellows to the UNAS convention. He described Dr. Nankabirwa as a prolific researcher, with over 80 publications in peer-reviewed journals and an impressive funding portfolio that includes a number of highly competitive research grants.
On her part, Dr. Victoria Nankabirwa said she was grateful for the recognition and pledged to uphold UNAS values.
“I am very thankful for this recognition, and as I reflect on the journey that has brought me to this point, I am reminded that this is not the result of solitary work but of shared aspirations, collaborations, and partnerships. As such, I am very thankful to my nominators and seconders, Prof. David Serwadda and Prof. Rhoda Wanyenze, as well as to my colleagues, my students, and my family, represented by my mum. To these people and to you, I extend my deepest gratitude. I pledge to uphold the academy’s values, advocate for science-driven policies, and mentor future generations. I will work as hard as I can within this FUNAS,” said Dr. Nankabirwa.
Dr. Fredrick Edward Makumbi expressed his gratitude and commitment during his recent induction as a fellow of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (FUNAS). “I am delighted to have been nominated and accepted as a FUNAS. I am truly appreciative and acknowledge the support of all those who have helped me, from my family to my teachers and colleagues—many of whom are here today. They have supported me and brought me to this great podium. I pledge to continue working, supporting, and promoting the health and well-being of the people of Uganda and beyond through science, as well as mentoring others to ensure a sustainable generation that can uphold the health and well-being of Uganda and beyond. I am glad to be here, and thank you very much,” Dr. Makumbi stated.
Dr. David Musoke is a promising researcher and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health at Makerere University’s School of Public Health. He serves as the Chair of the Grants and Research Capacity Building Committee and is the President Elect of the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH).
“I am really delighted and humbled to be joining this elite class of academics and scholars as a fellow of UNAS. It is an honor to join many of my mentors from over the years, including my very own father, who is also a fellow of UNAS and is here today, Prof. Miph Musoke. I wish to thank my family—my parents, wife, and children—for all their support, as well as the research teams we have worked with,” said Dr. David Musoke.
Adding that; “I also extend my gratitude to my mentors from the university, Professor David Serwadda and Professor Rhoda Wanyenze, for nominating me, along with all the others who have contributed throughout this journey, including funders, collaborators, the community, and everyone else we work with. I look forward to serving in this capacity and upholding the goals and aims of UNAS, especially in the field of Environmental Health and Community Health.”
Professor Guwatudde, a lead investigator in two national surveys assessing non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors in his country—first in 2014 and again in 2023—expressed his commitment to tackling NCDs as he was recognized by the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS).
“I would like to thank the UNAS council, the secretariat, and all members for accepting me as a member,” Prof. Guwatudde said.
“I pledge to contribute in the area of non-communicable diseases. We have conducted extensive research in this country, giving us a clear picture of the NCD burden, a reality that affects us all. I would be glad to share this insight with fellow members,” added Guwatudde.
National academies worldwide provide neutral platforms for experts across disciplines to tackle societal challenges and clarify emerging issues in science, technology, and policy. These institutions play a crucial role in preparing for and responding to global threats such as pandemics. Since its inception, the Uganda National Academy of Sciences (UNAS) has been led by four presidents: Prof. Paul Mugambi (2000-2014), Prof. Nelson Sewankambo (2014-2019), Prof. Peter Mugyenyi (2019-2022), and, since October 2022, Prof. Grace Bantebya-Kyomuhendo, a Professor of Women and Gender Studies at Makerere University—the first female head of the academy.
Prof. Bantebya extended her congratulations to the newly inducted fellows. She emphasized the responsibilities UNAS fellows carry, including upholding the academy’s constitution and contributing to its vision, mission, and objectives. “Our fellows play a critical role in advancing the academy’s goals, and their dedication is vital to our impact on science and policy,” Prof. Bantebya stated.
“Remain academically active. Please listen to that. In meaningful pursuit of academic excellence in your respective areas of expertise. Do not say that now that you have become a fellow, you will stop being academically active. We expect you to continue,” she emphasised.
She also called on the fellows to actively participate in the academy’s conventions, consensus-building efforts, and other activities. Prof. Bantebya emphasized the importance of consensus studies to the academy’s mission, urging fellows to make themselves available when called upon.
“Ensure high standards of conduct based on national and international best practices. We expect you to maintain and ensure high standards yourselves and foster good relations among members as well as with the academy, the general science community, and the public. You also need to meet all the obligations as a fellow of UNAS, whether financial or otherwise, as stipulated,” the Academy President said
A fellow may lose their membership in the academy if they act against the UNAS constitution or bring disrepute to its goals, name, or vision. Membership can also be terminated if a member is convicted by a competent court or authority of a felony or serious crime, or if they are declared bankrupt or of unsound mind.
UNAS’s mission is to foster the welfare and prosperity of the Ugandan people by generating, sharing, and utilizing robust knowledge and insights to deliver independent, merit-based scientific counsel to government and society. As part of the global scientific community, UNAS maintains strong ties with the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC), Network of Science Academies in Islamic Countries (NASIC), the U.S. National Academies, IAP, and TWAS.
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