Health
New Uganda study shows Oxygen Access increase among neonates & children in Hospitals
A new study in Uganda has shown a significant increase in oxygen access and pulse oximetry among neonates and children in health facilities.
Preliminary findings published in The Lancet, the world’s highest-impact medical and academic journal show the positive impact of a diverse oxygen systems strengthening intervention on diagnosis, oxygen therapy use, and mortality rates.
Titled; “Improving Effective Coverage of Medical Oxygen Services for Neonates and Children in Health Facilities in Uganda: A Before-After Interventional Study,” the study shows that large-scale improvements in hospital oxygen services are achievable in a relatively short timeframe and have great potential for impact.
The study was led by Dr. Freddie Ssengooba, an Associate Professor of Health Policy Planning and Management, at the School of Public Health and Dr. Freddy Eric Kitutu, a Senior Lecturer of Health Systems Pharmacy both co-chairs of the Lancet Global Health Commission on Medical Security. Other researchers on the study include Hamish Graham from the University of Melbourne, Yewande Kamuntu, Blasio Kunihira, Santa Engol, Jasmine Miller, Absolom Zisanhi, Dorcas Kemigisha, Lorraine Kabunga and Felix Lam all from Clinton Health Access Initiative, Dr. Charles Olaro from Uganda’s Ministry of Health and Dr. Harriet Ajilong from the Uganda Paediatric Association.
From June 2020 to June 2022, an intervention study assessed neonates and children at 31 government health facilities in Uganda’s Busoga and North Buganda regions, located at altitudes of 1100-1400 meters. The primary outcome measured the proportion of patients with documented pulse oximetry on admission.
Secondary outcomes included patients with severe hypoxaemia (SpO2 < 90%) receiving oxygen, overall oxygen usage, and appropriate oxygen usage. The study’s primary effectiveness analysis compared pulse oximetry coverage before and after the intervention, incorporating a 4-month washout period. The analysis utilized mixed-effects logistic regression, adjusting for clustering at individual facilities, age (child versus neonate), and sex (male versus female).
Researchers analyzed 64,562 patients (25% neonates) and observed a significant rise in pulse oximetry coverage during the intervention period, increasing from 24% to 88% with an adjusted odds ratio of 40.1 (95% confidence interval: 37.4 to 42.9).
They also observed better oxygen coverage for children and neonates with low oxygen levels, increasing from 40% to 71%, with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.81 (95% confidence interval: 3.26 to 4.46).
Additionally, there was a slight increase in overall oxygen usage, rising from 8% to 11%, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.95 (95% confidence interval: 1.79 to 2.13).
“Improvements were relatively greater in smaller facilities and for children (versus neonates). We estimated additional patients served and lives saved in the post-intervention period using observed effect estimates in this and other studies,” reads the study.
With these findings, researchers are calling on governments in low-income and middle-income countries to create oxygen plans and invest in proven solutions, like incorporating pulse oximetry in regular hospital care, and providing clinical as well as biomedical mentorship and support.
For all age groups, medical oxygen is essential for both acute and chronic health problems. Scientific evidence suggests access to medical oxygen services that are safe, economical, and appropriate is essential for improving overall health and achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Unfortunately, inadequate or inconsistent oxygen supplies present challenges for many low- and middle-income nations, particularly for small medical facilities in underserved areas.
Disruptions in the oxygen supply during the COVID-19 pandemic caused excessive deaths, which predominantly affected countries with low to middle incomes. According to a 2021 study, half of the COVID-19 patients who died in 64 critical care units across ten African countries did not receive the required medical oxygen.
The study was funded by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and ELMA Philanthropies to the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and approval from Makerere University School of Health Sciences Research and Ethics Committee, and the Uganda National Council of Science and Technology.
Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4676954 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4676954
Health
Ministry of Health Launches National University Health Screening Initiative at Makerere 92nd Guild Medical Camp
Despite a morning downpour, the two-day 92nd Makerere University Guild Annual Medical Camp successfully commenced on September 17, 2026 with a launch at the Freedom Square.
The Launch marks a strategic partnership between the Ministry of Health and higher education institutions to advance physical well-being and awareness of students from public and private universities.
Presiding over the event, the Minister of State for Health (General Duties), Hon. Anifa Kawooya Bangirana, launched the intensified testing and active case finding for Malaria, HIV/AIDS and Sickle Cell Disease.
Ministry officials emphasized that laboratory screening and diagnostic testing are critical entry points for early detection, linkage to care, appropriate clinical management, surveillance and prevention, and the Ministry of Health pledges full support to strengthen these services across universities nationwide.
Held under stewardship of the Makerere University Dean of Students office, the camp offered a comprehensive suite of health services to the student body and the wider community. Attendees had access to the following services:
- General and Specialist Consultations
- Sickle Cell, Malaria RDT and HIV Screening
- Eye Care and Laboratory Diagnostics
- Free Essential Medicines
- Reproductive Health Counseling
- Mental Health Counseling
While addressing the attendees, Hon. Kawooya emphasised that health is synonymous with national economic productivity.
She guided the youth to prioritise well-being, and avoid living in denial for it is the first step to refusing help. This will help build a firm foundation for any future contributions to national development.
The Minister further warned students against risky behaviours, including substance abuse and sexual immorality, which she described as poisonous.
She advocated for responsible reproductive health practices, urging students to utilise resources available to protect themselves for the future.
Why you should Know Your Status
Prof. Charles Olaro, who is the Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health, Uganda reflected on his time at the university during the peak of the HIV epidemic, recalling a visit from the late Bongole Lutaya.
He noted that today’s youth have not witnessed the severity of the AIDS due to the availability of care and ARVs, which can create a false sense of security.
“People are in care and you have not seen the real slim disease. You have not seen it”
He added that some attending are products of mothers that undertook prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, and they gave birth to negative children. But now when we are grown up, they are reckless with their sexual life.
Prof Olaro summarized his remarks by noting that health is an irreplaceable asset and that decisions made today have significant future ramifications. They urge the audience to take the opportunity to know their status, whether for HIV or sickle cell disease, as this is the essential entry point for care and life planning.
Benefits of knowing your status:
- It serves as the entry point for receiving necessary care.
- It allows for better life planning.
- It enables individuals to manage other aspects of their lives effectively.
- It prevents future health complications.
Genetic Awareness and Blood Donation
Associate Professor Richard Idro the Deputy Principal of the Makerere University College of Health Sciences (MakCHS) emphasised the importance of seeking appropriate information with a focus on genetic awareness. He advised the students to know their status before marriage to prevent passing on genetic conditions.
“One day when you fall in love, you know that preferably you should not marry somebody who is also carrying a certain gene.”
He then delved into the importance of treating HIV and clearing malaria parasites, which he addressed exhaustively.
From this, Dr Idro’s focus turned to blood donation where he acknowledged a number of people that had already participated in the exercise at the Uganda Red Cross Society tent.
“I see the Red Cross at one corner. As we passed there, 36 people had donated blood. Although, gentlemen, I saw very few of you donate blood.”
He concluded by challenging the young men present and reminding them that they can donate blood up to four times a year and still remain healthy.
Empowering Ambassadors of Global Health Awareness
The Ministry of Health called upon the students attending the camp to serve as ambassadors for global health awareness in their respective institutions.
The Executive Director/Commissioner National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services (NHLDS), Dr. Susan Nabadda Ndidde advised the students to make sure that they mobilise and intensify testing for all these diseases.
“We will work with you as a Ministry to provide the tests to make sure that we know your status and prevent these diseases in time.”
She wrapped up her message by thanking Makerere for allowing the Ministry of Health to partner on this cause and urged the students to embrace this opportunity and make sure they leave after establishing their status.
By bringing these critical services directly to campuses, the government fosters a healthier, and more informed generation capable of driving Uganda’s future development.
Students Appreciate the Medical Camp
According to Denise Kainomugisha, the Chairperson of the Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) and Vice Minister of Health in the 92nd Guild, the Camp served as a vital platform for capacity building.
“The screening, the testing, the sports science, was all handled by the student volunteers under supervision” she confessed.
She also explained that the camp extended to broader public health goals and additionally fostered leadership and collaboration among students, who were encouraged to work together to address community health needs.
Concluding her remarks, Kainomugisha expressed gratitude to the respective partners for providing both financial support and the opportunity for students to take on active roles throughout the Medical Camp.
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