Background Despite the availability of a highly effective vaccine, measles remains a substantial public health problem in many countries including Uganda. In this study, conducted between June–August 2020 following a local outbreak, we sought to explore the factors that could affect measles vaccination coverage in rural western Uganda. Methods We conducted a descriptive study using qualitative data collection approaches in the Kasese district. The research team utilized purposive sampling to identify and select participants from the public health sector and district government. We conducted key informant interviews (KII) and one focus group discussion (FGD). Responses were recorded using portable electronic devices with the FGD and KII guide installed. Interviews were conducted at the health centre and district headquarters. Data was coded and analysed using ATLAS.ti version 8 software through deductive thematic analysis to identify key themes. Results Barriers to measles vaccination identified in this study were premised around six themes including: (i) availability of supplies and stock management, (ii) health worker attitudes and workload, (iii) financing of vaccination outreach activities, (iv) effectiveness of duty rosters (i.e., health workers’ working schedules), (v) community beliefs, and (vi) accessibility of healthcare facilities. Respondents reported frequent vaccine supply disruptions, lack of resources to facilitate transportation of health workers to communities for outreach events, and health centre staffing that did not adequately support supplemental vaccination activities. Furthermore, community dependence on traditional medicine as a substitute for vaccines and long distances traveled by caregivers to reach a health facility were mentioned as barriers to vaccination uptake. Conclusions Health system barriers limiting vaccination uptake were primarily logistical in nature and reflect inadequate resourcing of immunization efforts. At the same time, local beliefs favouring traditional medicine remain a persistent cultural barrier. These findings suggest an urgent need for more efficient supply management practices and resourcing of immunization outreaches in order to achieve the Uganda Ministry of Health’s targets for childhood immunization and the prevention of disease outbreaks.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 continued to pose several public health, social, economic challenges and the drivers for the occurrence of different COVID-19 waves remains undocumented in Uganda. We conducted a cross-sectional population-based survey among recovered COVID-19 cases to establish the drivers of SAR-CoV-2 infections. We performed a retrospective study and interviewed 1120 recovered COVID-19 cases from 10 selected districts in Uganda. We further conducted 38 Key Informant Interviews of members of the COVID-19 District Taskforce and 19 in-depth interviews among COVID-19 survivors from March to June, 2021. Results Out of the 1120 recovered COVID-19 cases interviewed, 62% were aged 39 years and below and 51.5% females with 90.9% under home based care management. Cases were more prevalent in business (25.9%), students (17.2%), farmers (17.1%) and health workers (12.4%) and 79.9% developed COVID-19 symptoms mainly cough, flu, and fever. Being asymptomatic was found to be associated with not seeking healthcare (APR 2, P <0.001). The mortality rate was 3.7% mostly among the elderly (6.3%) and 31.3% aged 40 years and above had comorbidities of high blood pressure, diabetes and asthma. High blood pressure and diabetes were significantly associated with low survival rate (P <0.001) among the COVID-19 cases. ConclusionsOur study identified several drivers under the broad categories of demographic, patient, health facilities and services, social and economic factors that attributed to emergence and sustenance of COVID-19 second wave from March to June, 2021. Specifically, being female, young, asymptomatic, under Home Based Care Management, social gatherings, school going, not vaccinated were among the major drivers of the second wave. We strongly recommend that the Ministry of Health together with National Taskforce for COVID-19 Response to reconsider some aspects of Home-Based Care Management to only established institutions and organizations with potential and facilities to monitor cases in addition to training and monitoring all those involved in supporting the Home Based Care Management.

Background Road crashes continue to persist on Ugandan roads despite the government’s commendable efforts over many years. This study sought to explore the persistent causes of road crashes, suggest recommendations and evaluate the costs incurred by the government for treating accident victims. Methods A rapid cross-sectional study involving both quantitative and qualitative study approaches was performed. Desk reviews and six key informant interviews were conducted with traffic police officers and hospital administrators. Traffic road accident data were abstracted from the Uganda Police Force database for the period of January 2021 to February 2022, to ascertain the magnitude of the problem and its causes. Results The causes of road accidents are mainly caused by to human error, weather and the poor state of some roads. The government spends reasonable amounts of money in treating accident victims, at USD 245–3590, yet the funds could instead be used to promote socio-economic development in communities. Conclusion Road crashes continue to occur in Uganda, mainly because of human error. We recommend amelioration of the identified causes of road traffic crashes to save lives and conserve limited public resources.

Road crashes continue to persist on Ugandan roads even with the commendable efforts that the government has been implementing for so many years. This study sought to explore the persistent causes of road crashes, suggest recommendations and evaluate the cost of treating accident victims by government. Methods: A rapid cross-sectional study involving both quantitative and qualitative study approaches was used. Desk reviews and 6 key informant interviews were conducted with Traffic Police Officers; Hospital Administrators.Traffic road accidents data was abstracted from the Uganda Police Force Database for the period of January 2021 to February 2022, to ascertain the magnitude of the problem and its causes. Results The causes of road accidents are mainly due to human error, weather and poor state of some roads. The government spends a lot to treat accident victims between Ug shs 930,000 to Ug sh 13,660,000 and yet this money could have been used to promote socio-economic development in the communities. Conclusion: Road crashes continue to occur in Uganda mainly due to human error. Suggested interventions have to be focused on addressing these identified causes to help in reducing the high costs of treatment of these victims that government incurs daily.