An assessment of the readiness for introduction of the HPV vaccine in Uganda.

Formative research assessing human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine readiness in Uganda was conducted in 2007. The objective was to generate evidence for government decision-making and operational planning for HPV vaccine introduction. Qualitative research methods with children, parents, teachers, community leaders, health workers, technical experts and political leaders were used to capture understanding of socio-cultural, health system and policy environments. We found low levels of knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV. Vaccination and its benefits were well-understood; respondents were positive about HPV vaccination. Health systems were deemed adequate for HPV vaccine delivery. Schools were identified as a vaccination venue, given high attendance by girls aged 10-12 years. Communication and advocacy strategies to foster acceptance should provide information on cervical cancer, HPV vaccine safety, and side effects. Policymakers requested further detail on costs. Introduction of HPV vaccine could be integrated into existing reproductive health and immunization policies.

Legislatory framework for private medical practice in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: In Uganda the private health sector has expanded dramatically in recent years with a striking proliferation of facilities for private medical practice which is particularly evident in urban areas. OBJECTIVES: The general objective of this study was to analyse the laws and regulations governing the private health sector in order to determine how they affect the operations and development of private medical practice in Uganda. METHODS: Between December 1995 and December 1996, we identified and reviewed all the laws, which affect private medical practice in Uganda. We discussed the contents of the laws with Ministry of Health officials and with representatives of private practitioners. We also made visits to a sample of clinics, which we inspected to ascertain compliance with the laws, and held interviews with managers of the clinics to get their views about the laws. RESULTS: Two categories of laws were identified. The first category includes two laws adopted in 1993, whose purpose is to ensure the availability at all times of efficacious and cost effective drugs in the country. The second category includes three laws, all adopted in 1996, which spell out the licensing procedures, supervision, disciplining and general control of different categories of professionals. The list of health professions, which are permitted to practice privately, was revised to include new categories, which were previously not allowed. We identified what we considered to be barriers to private health sector development, loopholes in the laws and also assessed the enforcement of the laws. The legal barriers include restrictions of drug imports, the requirement for the professionals to renew their practising licenses and to register the premises annually at one central place in the country, long periods of time mandated for acquiring experience before one can be permitted to practice privately and the finding that there are some capable professions which are still not allowed to practice privately. CONCLUSION: We made recommendations to the Ministry of Health to address all these barriers. We also recommended to the Ministry that non-professionals who have the ability to set up clinics should be allowed to register them provided they can engage professionals to operate them.

Child Health and development Centre : community experience

In the 1960s; the Ugandan systems for training health workers; for reporting and evaluating health data and the comprehensive community-based network of health services were widely recognised as some of the best in Africa. By mid-1980s; the disruptive influences of almost two decades of civil unrest; governmental misrule; and a declining economy had left the social institutions and supporting infrastructures of Uganda in utter disarray. To improve care in general and child health services and to develop health centers community sittings have been selected. Kiyeyi; Mpigi and Mulago have been chosen as the main centers. And several non-governmental organizations are participating in that project

Case Studies of NGO CBHC/PHC Programmes: Perspectives on Community Participation and Health Care Financing Initiatives : A Comparison of the Kasanga CBHC and Mission Mouving Mountains CBHC Programmes

"Background: In 1992; the Minsitry of Health requested for a study of five known ""good"" CBHC/PHC programmes; with a view to help planners in the Ministry to develop policy guidelines for the implementation of PHC in the country. Case studies were carried out of five NGO programmes in the districts of Kasese; masaka; Mbale; Pallisa and Arua. Two of the most successful programmes; started with external assistance; are compared to highlight their community participation and health care financing initiatives; and the prospects for control and sustainability of community action. The objectives was to analyse strategies and identify contributing factors for successful implementation of PHC in the country; and to gather and analyse information about PHC in Uganda that would be of use in formulating national policy guidelines for implementation of PHC at district levels and below."