The Association of Surgeons of Uganda (ASOU) has issued a warning about the growing misuse of antibiotics, which is compromising their effectiveness in treating infections.
At the recent Surgical Conference and Exhibition, experts presented troubling research showing that antibiotics fail in up to 20% of cases due to misuse, fueling the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance.
ASOU President Prof. Moses Galukande called for stronger regulations, enhanced medical training, and greater public awareness to combat this urgent issue.
He also emphasized the need to integrate surgical care into Uganda’s national healthcare strategy.
The Ministry of Health, led by Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, has invited ASOU to submit a National Surgical, Obstetrics, and Anesthesia Plan within a month, which will help shape policy and guide the distribution of resources for surgical services, underscoring the importance of surgery in achieving universal health coverage.
The conference also provided an opportunity to highlight Uganda’s surgical capabilities, promote collaboration, and address key challenges in the healthcare system.
However, Dr. Todd Tuttle, MD, from the University of Minnesota, stressed the importance of early breast cancer detection.
He noted the contrast in survival rates between the United States and Uganda, where many women are diagnosed too late for effective treatment.
Dr. Tuttle advocates for better physician training and public awareness to ensure early intervention, which can greatly improve survival rates.
Meanwhile, East African Medical Vitals, Africa’s first surgical glove factory has partnered with ASOU, to improve the quality and availability of surgical gloves for healthcare workers in Uganda.
Established in 2017 and starting production in late 2021, the company has increased its output from 40 million to 80 million pairs annually, now covering 60% of Uganda’s market.
The partnership with ASOU has provided valuable feedback that has helped refine glove sizes and functionality to meet the specific needs of surgeons.
East African Medical Vitals, led by Managing Director Brian Kavuya, is also exploring local latex production to reduce import dependency and foster related industries in Uganda.
The company is seeking financing to expand its operations and aims to quadruple its production.
This initiative aligns with Uganda’s goal of becoming self-sufficient in medical product manufacturing; ensuring healthcare professionals have the necessary resources for quality care.
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