BackgroundOveruse and misuse of antibiotics is a serious global problem. While resistance to older antibiotics is increasing, development of newer molecules has stalled. Resistance to the existing antibiotics that is largely driven by their high-volume use is a global public health problem. Uganda is one of the countries where prescription-only drugs, including antibiotics, can be obtained over the counter. We determined the rate of antibiotic dispensing and use in Uganda.MethodsThe study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional study design to determine the number of antibiotic “prescribed” daily doses per 1,000 clients. Data were collected from one health center II, eight general/district hospitals, one national referral hospital, and 62 registered community pharmacies. From each study site, data were collected for five consecutive days over the months of November 2011 to January 2012.ResultsThe overall antibiotic issue rate was 43.2%. Amoxicillin, metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole–trimethoprim, cloxacillin, and ampicillin, belonging to the WHO anatomical therapeutic chemical classifications of penicillin with extended spectra, imidazole derivatives, fluoroquinolones, and sulfonamide–trimethoprim combinations, constituted 70% of the issued antibiotics. About 41% of antibiotics were issued over the counter. At community pharmacies, where 30% of antibiotic dispensing occurred, the number of prescribed daily doses/1,000 antibiotic clients was 4,169 compared to 6,220, 7,350 and 7,500 at general/district hospitals, the national referral hospital, and the health center, respectively.ConclusionIn Uganda, at least four in every ten individuals that visit a health-care facility are treated with an antibiotic. Antibiotics are largely given as over-the-counter drugs at community pharmacies. The number of antibiotic prescribed daily doses/1,000 antibiotic clients does not significantly differ between categories of health-care facilities except at community pharmacies, where lower doses are dispensed compared to other health-care facilities.

ObjectivesThis study was set out to assess the level of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and its determinants among children receiving HIV treatment in Kabale district, south western Uganda, in order to inform interventions for improving pediatric ART adherence.ResultsOverall, 79% (121/153) of the children did not miss ART doses over the 7 days. Caregiver forgetfulness was the major reason for missing ART doses, 37% (13/35). Other reasons included transportation costs to the health facilities, 17%, (6/35) and children sitting for examinations in schools. Older children (11–14 years) were more likely to adhere to ART than the younger ones (0–10 years) (AOR = 6.41, 95% CI 1.31–31.42). Caregivers, who knew their HIV status, had their children more adherent to ART than the caregivers of unknown HIV status (AOR = 21.64: 95% CI 1.09–428.28). A significant proportion of children in two facilities 21.5% (32/153) missed ART doses within the previous week. Support for providers to identify clues or reminders to take drugs, extending HIV testing to caregivers and innovative models of ART delivery that alleviate transport costs to caregivers and allow sufficient drugs for children in school could enhance drug adherence among children.

IntroductionWest Africa is experiencing the largest ever reported Ebola outbreak. Over 20,000 people have been infected of which about 9000 have died. It is possible that lack of community understanding of the epidemic and lack of institutional memory and inexperienced health workers could have led to the rapid spread of the disease. In this paper, we share Uganda's experiences on how the capacity of health workers and other multidisciplinary teams can be improved in preparing and responding to Ebola outbreaks.MethodsMakerere University School of Public Health in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), trained health care workers and other multidisciplinary teams from six border districts of Uganda so as to increase their alertness and response capabilities towards Ebola. We used participatory training methods to impart knowledge and skills and guided participants to develop district epidemic response plans. Communities were sensitized about Ebola through mass media, IEC materials, and infection control and prevention materials were distributed in districts.ResultsWe trained 210 health workers and 120 other multidisciplinary team members on Ebola surveillance, preparedness and response. Evaluation results demonstrated a gain in knowledge and skills. Communities were sensitized about Ebola and Districts received person protective equipments and items for infection prevention. Epidemic Preparedness and Response plans were also developed.ConclusionTraining of multidisciplinary teams improves the country's preparedness, alertness and response capabilities in controlling Ebola. West African countries experiencing Ebola outbreaks could draw lessons from the Uganda experience to contain the outbreak.