World TB Day “Invest to End TB. Save Lives”
Webmasters March 25, 2022 No Comments

World TB Day “Invest to End TB. Save Lives”

On March 24, we highlight World Tuberculosis Day to bring attention to the TB epidemic’s devastating health, economic, and social consequences and to step up efforts to end it. Robert Koch announced in 1882 that he had discovered the bacteria that causes tuberculosis, which led to the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Numbers

TB is the number 4 cause of death among communicable, maternal neonatal, and nutritional diseases. There is an estimated increase in the number of people who develop TB (90,000). Among them 12,000 were children. 7,400 people died because of TB.

Uganda is ranked among 20 countries worldwide with the highest TB infection burden. According to a health official, 3,646 TB cases couldn’t be diagnosed last year in the Lango sub-region, which is among the three sub-regions with the highest burden of TB infections.

World TB Day aims to raise awareness about TB in the Lango sub-region, which is among the three regions of the country with the highest burden, making TB a public health problem in Uganda, and that is why the Lango sub-region will be hosting the event.

Covid-19 negatively impacted the fight against TB in Uganda, since a lot occurred in between.

As a result of all the restrictions put in place with Covid-19, we missed diagnosing 10,739 TB cases from January to December 2020, meaning these people are at large infecting others in the community.

Uganda and the rest of the world are preparing to celebrate world Tuberculosis Day (TB) on March 24, 2022, and Lira City has been selected to host the affair.

TB remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases in the world. Each day, more than 4100 people die from TB and over 28,000 people become ill with this preventable and curable disease. Approximately 66 million lives have been saved through global efforts to combat TB since 2000. Although decades of progress have been made in the fight against TB, the COVID-19 pandemic has reversed those gains. In 2020, TB deaths increased for the first time in over a decade.

 

Invest to End TB. Save Lives. World TB Day 2022 stresses increasing resources to fight TB and achieve the commitment made by global leaders in order to end TB. Ensure equitable access to prevention and care in line with WHO’s drive to attain Universal Health Coverage, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic that threatens the progress towards End TB.

Millions of more lives will be saved if more investment is made, accelerating the end of the TB epidemic.

According to World Health Organization, 66,000,000 lives saved since 2000 by global efforts to end TB. 9,900,000 people fell ill with TB in 2020 and 1,500,000 people died of TB in 20202.

Call for action.

  • Know the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures of TB.
  • Get tested, get treated, and follow your doctor’s advice if you think you have TB
  • Don’t believe in myths or misinformation
  • Stand up against TB stigma and discrimination
  • Invest in resources, support, care, and information to defeat TB.
  • Engage young people in TB advocacy.
  • Provide resources, advice, and support to TB patients in the community.
  • Promote the provision of high-quality essential TB services during the COVID pandemic;
  • Integrate TB into routine health interventions;
  • Provide compassionate care that respects human rights and is stigma-free;
  • Make sure you are trained and have the latest guidance on TB treatment and care available to you

 

 

World Water day; “GROUNDWATER, MAKING THE INVISIBLE VISIBLE”

 “GROUNDWATER, MAKING THE INVISIBLE VISIBLE”

Each year on 22 March, World Water Day draws attention to the importance of freshwater and argues for sustainable management of freshwater resources. This involves addressing the global water crisis in support of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.

The chemical elements hydrogen and oxygen make up water, a substance that exists in gaseous, liquid, and solid states. Water is one of the most abundant and critical compounds on earth. As a tasteless and odorless liquid at room temperature, it has the remarkable property of dissolving many other substances. Living organisms depend on the versatility of water as a solvent. Living organisms rely on aqueous solutions, such as blood and digestive juices, for biological processes. Life is believed to have originated in the aqueous solutions of the world’s oceans.

Importance of water.

Water is very important in many fields in Uganda for example in Agriculture, to people, etc.

World Water day; “GROUNDWATER: MAKING THE INVISIBLE VISIBLE”

The health of people

  • Water boosts energy. It provides essential nutrients to all of our cells, including muscle cells, preventing muscle fatigue.
  • Water helps with weight loss. It keeps you full longer without adding any calories to your diet. Water and foods with a high water content can help you lose weight.
  • Water aids digestion. Constipation and other abdominal issues can be treated with water, especially for people suffering from IBS. Water aids digestion.
  • Water detoxifies. Moves toxins out of your system faster, and optimizes kidney function. Dehydration impairs kidney function.
  • Water hydrates skin. Water is the most effective way to prevent wrinkles and aging of the skin.

Agriculture.

According to the World bank “Water is a critical input for agricultural production and plays an important role in food security”. Water in Agriculture has the following uses

  • As of now, many people around the world are using irrigation methods to improve the quality of agricultural products hence leading to food security.
  • Spraying pests on the plants and insects on the animals.
 Water for Livestock
  • Drinking water for livestock. To maintain their feed intake, animals need access to a ready water supply that is uncontaminated.
  • Animals need water for their healthy development and growth. The quality of end products such as meat and milk depends on the quality of animal feed including water.

 

Over the years world water day has been celebrated and themes have been created to create awareness all around the world. Below are some of the themes that have been used;

Years Theme
2014 Water and Energy
2015 Water and Sustainable Development
2016 Better Water, Better  Job
2017 Why Waste Water?
2018 Nature for water
2019 Leaving No One Behind
2020 Water and Climate Change
2021 Valuing Water
The theme of World Water day 2022

“Groundwater, Making the Invisible Visible” is the theme of world water day 2022. Groundwater is water found underground in aquifers which are a geological formation of rocks, sands, and gravels that hold substantial Quantities of water.

It feeds springs, rivers, lakes, and wetlands and leaks into oceans. In the same way, it is recharged mainly from rain and snowfall infiltrating the ground. Groundwater is the largest source of fresh water on earth. Despite it being stored underneath the surface it is often underlooked.

 International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre (IGRAC) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) initiated a World Water Day exclusively focused on this resource.

World water day campaign is built around three main groundwater-related topics namely:

First the visible ingredient in the food.

Secondly, a resource without borders.

Thirdly, a finite supply.

In Uganda, 61% of the country’s water is from a groundwater source, accessed from springs and boreholes around Lake Victoria and south-western Uganda. The major water supply in the rural, semi-arid areas in Uganda is from the Groundwater.

Water problems aren’t just about water but it’s a problem of life, environment, and health. It’s about time we rethink how we value water.  Every drop matters. Don’t let the pandemic lead us to scarcity. Do the earth a favor and be a water saver this world water day.

Groundwater will become more and more significant as climate change worsens. To sustainably manage this precious resource, we must work together. Despite being out of sight, groundwater must not be forgotten.

 

 

IWD 2022 CAMPAIGN THEME: #BREAKTHEBIAS
Webmasters March 17, 2022 No Comments

IWD 2022 CAMPAIGN THEME: #BREAKTHEBIAS

IWD 2022 CAMPAIGN THEME: #BREAKTHEBIAS

Being a woman is like walking from one country to another. In a world where men think they have the power over everything including women and their bodies. We live in a society where women think they are met to just be given by men. And this makes them lazy not to work for themselves. A girl grows up being told that the result is to get married. So there is no reason for her to go to school. But all that has to stop today and now. Women can be anything like men or even more.

Women and men must question their conscious and subconscious views if they want to #BreakTheBias.

#BreakTheBias is the way to go. We have to make sure we break all the histories that put women down in all sectors and areas in our countries and societies. Men should learn how to handle women and vice versa.

According to research, by the age of 2-3 years old, children begin to grasp basic associations between objects and activities, including the relationship between gender and sex. Children’s choices of sports, school subjects, and attitudes begin to be influenced by these stereotypes as they enter primary school.

It is particularly common in societies that pressure children to conform to their gender. Such as those where boys are pressured to withhold their emotions to show strength, for children to learn that conformity will lead to positive treatment if they follow the norms.

We are prevented from truly being free because of our preconceived notions about others and ourselves. To #BreakTheBias, we need to understand that if we feel limited by our gender, it is probably due to bias rather than ability.

VISUALISE A WORLD WHERE GENDER IS EQUAL.

We envision a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Diversity should be valued and celebrated. Together, we will advance the equality of women. It’s time to #BreakTheBias collectively.

Throughout the day, we are all responsible for our rights and actions.

Together, we can eliminate bias from our communities.

Our workplaces can become more diverse.

We can eliminate bias in schools, colleges, and universities.

By working together, we can break the biases – on International Women’s Day (IWD) and beyond.

 

Volunteering in Uganda calls upon the global community to support women to realize their full potential as leaders in all professional spheres.

That said, be part of the call by volunteering with us.

GENDER EQUALITY TODAY FOR A SUSTAINABLE TOMORROW. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2022
Webmasters March 8, 2022 No Comments

GENDER EQUALITY TODAY FOR A SUSTAINABLE TOMORROW. INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2022

Every year, International Women’s Day falls on 8 March. In it, ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities can reflect on their progress, demand change, and celebrate their acts of courage and determination.

HISTORY OF THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY.

On February 28, 1909, the Socialist Party of America organized the first National Women’s Day in New York. Labor activist Theresa Malkiel suggested this and it commemorated protests against garment workers in the city. Later in 1910, German delegates took inspiration from socialists in the United States and proposed a day for women, although no specific date was declared.

Women’s Day was celebrated by the United Nations in 1975, and the UN General Assembly proclaimed March 8 International Women’s Day for women’s rights and world peace in 1977. The UN has been celebrating the day every year with a different theme.

In addition to celebrating women’s achievements on this day, it also raises awareness about women’s equality and accelerates gender parity, as well as raises funds for various female-focused charities.

The women’s day comes at a time when the women’s and girl’s rights clock is going backward in most of the countries for example Uganda due to the pandemic. COVID-19 pandemic has kept girls and women out of schools and workplaces opening them up to poverty and rising violence. Women are the most unpaid workers. Also, women are targets of violence and abuse, just because of their gender. Women are outrageously under-represented in halls of power and the boardrooms of business.

Uganda

In Uganda, women suffer from many rights issues, such as domestic violence and sexual abuse. Approximately half of all women have experienced some form of domestic violence from their husbands or partner. In addition, many women live in poverty and have limited opportunities to get an education.

Although some government efforts have been made to improve the status of women in Uganda, many say that these efforts have not yet made a significant impact.

 

 

International women’s day 2022 theme.

This year’s theme “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow” is to remind us that women bear the brunt of climate change and environmental degradation.

Among the greatest global challenges of the 21st century is advancing gender equality within the context of the climate crisis and disaster risk reduction.

Climate change is increasingly recognized as having a greater impact on women than on men. This is because women make up the majority of the world’s poor and depend on the natural resources that climate change threatens the most.

Moreover, women and girls are powerful and effective change-makers for climate adaptation and mitigation. Globally, they are engaged in sustainability initiatives and their participation and leadership result in more effective climate action.

Impact of climate change and inequality

The Climate Crisis is not gender-neutral. The greatest impacts of climate change affect women and girls. This amplifies existing gender inequalities and poses unique threats to their livelihoods, health, and safety.

Around the world, women rely more on yet have less access to, natural resources. Food, water, and fuel are disproportionately sourced by women in many regions. In low- and lower-middle-income countries, women are disproportionately employed in agriculture; during times of drought and erratic rainfall, they work harder for the survival of their families.

Women and girls across the globe are becoming more vulnerable to gender-based violence as climate change fuels conflict, including conflict-related sexual violence, human trafficking, child marriage, and other forms of violence.

Due to long-standing gender inequalities that create disparities in information, mobility, decision-making, and access to resources and training, women are less likely to survive a disaster and are more likely to be injured. After a disaster, women, and girls have a harder time accessing relief and assistance. In turn, this creates a vicious circle of vulnerability to future disasters, further eroding their livelihoods, wellbeing, and recovery.

By limiting access to services and health care, climate change and disasters threaten the health of women and girls. It also increases risks related to maternal and child health. Research indicates that extreme heat increases stillbirth rates, and climate change is increasing the spread of vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus, which cause worse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

MESSAGE FROM THE UN CHIEF ON THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY.

He says “it’s time to turn the clock forward for every woman and girl” and this will be through;

First, by guaranteeing quality education for every girl, so that they can build the lives they want and help make the world a better place for us all.

Secondly, this can be through massive investments in women’s training and decent work.

Next through effective action to end gender-based violence.

Then through bold action to protect our planet.

Through universal care that is fully integrated into social protection systems.

And through targeted measures like gender quotas so we can all benefit from women’s ideas, experience, and leadership everywhere decisions are made.

Gender inequality is essentially a question of power, in a male-dominated world and a male-dominated culture. And power relations must be reversed. We need more women in environment ministers, business leaders and presidents, and prime ministers. Efforts should be made to believe in women that they can push countries to address the climate crisis, develop green jobs, and build a more just and sustainable world.

We cannot emerge from the pandemic with the clock spinning backward on gender equality. There is a need to turn the clock forward on women’s rights. The time is now.

 

Message from Volunteering in Uganda on International women’s day.

Volunteering in Uganda joins the world to celebrate women’s day. We believe that women can do what men can do or even be better. They just need a chance, power, and platform to exercise their rights and become the better version of themselves.

#ClimateAction systematically ignores the rights, priorities, and needs of women and girls, who are uniquely affected by climate change. Climate response efforts must include those most affected by climate change.

Volunteer with us to create awareness and strengthen women to take up their positions.

Stand out. Follow your dreams.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HIV/AIDS AND POVERTY
Webmasters February 16, 2022 No Comments

HIV/AIDS AND POVERTY

HIV/AIDS and poverty have strong bi-directional connections in resource-poor settings. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is both a manifestation of poverty conditions, taking hold where livelihoods are unsustainable, and the result of the epidemic’s overwhelming impact on social and economic conditions. HIV/AIDS is both a cause and an outcome of poverty, and poverty is both a cause and an outcome of HIV/AIDS.

HIV/AIDS and poverty move hand in hand here in Uganda and Africa. Where there is poverty there is HIV and where there are HIV/AIDS poverty lives.

DEFINITIONS

HIV in full is Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. HIV leads to AIDS. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is AIDS in full.

Amartya Sen defines poverty as a failure to achieve certain minimum capabilities and according to him, the lack of capabilities is absolute. There are two types of poverty namely; Absolute and relative poverty.

Absolute poverty is defined as a condition characterized by severe deprivation of basic human needs. Including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education, and information. It depends not only on income but also on access to social services. However, capabilities are fixed over time or in societies.

NUMBERS

In Uganda, 41% of people live in poverty, and almost have of Uganda’s population is under the age of the youngest population in the world. Uganda hosts a number the largest refugee population in Africa.

At this time, about 1.5 million Ugandans have HIV infection. About 10% acquired HIV infection via the mother-child transmission route and studies show that the rate reached 26%. 400,000- 450,000 Uganda have died from HIV/AIDS. And many get HIV from heterosexual transmission.

  • Up to 20% of the continent’s population is disabled, including half of its children.
  • Malnutrition challenges are causing an ever-increasing number of children to grow up stunted.
  • HIV/AIDS leaves children orphaned and in charge of their households at very young ages. According to estimates, there are 32 million orphans in Africa.

 

In its most extreme form, poverty is destitution. The struggle to survive without necessities like food, water, and shelter. This is the reality for almost half of the population of sub-Saharan Africa. Without the most basic needs met, African children cannot imagine a way out of poverty – and the cycle continues.

Sustainable Development Goals

In the sustainable development goals, the issue of poverty is talked about as followers.

  • First No Poverty, end poverty in all its forms everywhere.
  • Second Zero Hunger, end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
  • Third Good Health and Well-being, ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
How does HIV/AIDS lead to poverty?

Working-age adults in poverty are left impoverished when they become ill and need treatment. And care due to the loss of income when the earners can no longer work and the increase in expenses due to medical expenses.

Labor force losses are a significant factor in slowing the pace of economic growth at the national level as a result of the epidemic. . Locking some populations, especially in the poorest and least developed countries, into poverty and making them more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.

HIV-affected households face multiple disadvantages when it comes to school access for children. Several factors may lead to children leaving school early. If a household experiences catastrophic medical expenses or loses income, school fees become too expensive. This forces the child to take on domestic or agricultural duties. They have to take care of the sick adults. To replace lost income, the child enters the labor market prematurely. Even to be the sole breadwinner and head of a household of orphans.

Where we come in.

Focusing on reaching out to people prone to HIV/AIDs and poverty.  Volunteering in Uganda trails to reach out. This is through counseling and guidance and encouraging all people to go for HIV testing to know their status.

VIU takes in orphans at the orphanage where we provide them with the basic needs of life. For those in extreme poverty, we lay a hand to them by providing monthly basic needs in our external program.

It won’t be possible to eradicate poverty through anti-poverty programs alone, but rather through democratic participation. And restructuring of economic structures that ensure access to resources, opportunities, and public services for all.

Volunteer with Us in our programs, for example, the Education program, orphanage program, and health program.

Sponsor a child at LUF by following the link https://loveugandafoundation.org/sponsor-a-child-in-uganda/

Donate to us to help those affected with HIV/AIDS and poverty through the link https://www.stewardship.org.uk/partners/20224362

#wearevolunteeringinUganda.

 

 

EVERY CHILD HAS A RIGHT
Webmasters February 8, 2022 No Comments

EVERY CHILD HAS A RIGHT

Every child has a right everywhere in the world. Every country’s constitution in the world has children’s rights listed. The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda defines a child as one below the age of eighteen years. So is it with the National Union of the convention on the Rights of Children? Love Uganda Foundation aims at protecting the rights and well-being of children in everything it does.

The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda recognizes the rights of the child. And provides for children’s right to health, right to education, and right to protection from exploitation.  Therefore the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda in chapter 4 section 34  has children’s rights listed.  Furthermore, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of children highlights that children need special care and protection including appropriate legal protection before as well as after birth.

The Declaration of Rights of Children lays down ten principles:

  1. The right to equality, without distinction on account of race, religion, or national origin.
  2. The right to special protection for the child’s physical, mental and social development.
  3.  Right to a name and nationality.
  4. Child’s right to adequate nutrition, housing, and medical services.
  5. The right to special education and treatment when a child is physically or mentally handicapped.
  6. The right to understanding and love by parents and society.
  7. Right to recreational activities and free education.
  8. The right to be among the first to receive relief in all circumstances.
  9. Right to protection against all forms of neglect, cruelty, and exploitation.
  10.  In a spirit of understanding, tolerance, friendship among peoples, and universal brotherhood is a right.

Rights in Uganda.

In the same way, the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda observes the same laws that govern children’s rights.

EVERY CHILD HAS A RIGHT

Love Uganda Foundation promotes child rights

First, Subject to laws enacted in their best interests, children shall have the right to know. And their parents or those entitled by law to bring them up should care for them. Love Uganda Foundation puts this right at work by becoming parents to the orphans and vulnerable children. We care about them and make them feel like they are with their parents hence promoting their rights.

 

 

 

 

EVERY CHILD HAS A RIGHT

Education is a right

Secondly,

The responsibility of the State and the parents of the child is to see that they have basic education. Love Uganda Foundation under its campaign “Keep an Orphan in School”. This focuses on making sure that every orphan has access to quality education. This is made possible through donations and sponsorships of orphans.

 

 

 

 

EVERY CHILD HAS A RIGHT

A child’s health is our priority

Thirdly, Reasons of religion or other beliefs shall not deprive children of medical treatment, education, or any other social or economic benefit. Love Uganda Foundation orphanage provides medical care to all orphans.  Our children go to church on Sunday and have bible studies, music, dance, and drama.

 

EVERY CHILD HAS A RIGHT

child labor

 

Furthermore,

children are entitled to be protected from social and economic exploitation and shall not be employed in jobs that are dangerous or that interfere with their education. Or adversely impact their health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral, or social development.  Love Uganda Foundation does not support child labor.  So many orphans join the labor market because there is no one to take care of them except themselves. This is where LUF comes in to help these orphans and vulnerable children. By providing them with a home and other basic needs in life.

Then, for clause (4) of this article, children shall be persons under the age of sixteen years. Love Uganda Foundation takes care of orphans and vulnerable children as young as 1 year at the orphanage home.

A child offender who is kept in lawful custody or detention shall be kept separately from adult offenders. Furthermore, LUF’s advocate that children’s cells should be used. This is to prevent them from learning other vises that are not of their age.

Lastly, the law shall accord special protection to orphans and other vulnerable children. LUF follows everything that is written in the National Orphans and Other Vulnerable children policy under the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development. This makes it easy for us to implement and care for orphans and vulnerable children.

 

In brief,

LUF calls upon everyone in your status to join us in creating awareness. And promoting child rights in our communities and country at large. You can join us by sponsoring a child so that she/he can attend school. Donations also do help for example scholastic materials, clothes, and any other thing.

 

 

Close the Care Gap World Cancer Day
Webmasters February 4, 2022 No Comments

CLOSE THE CARE GAP. WORLD CANCER DAY 2022-2024 THEME.

The 4th of February is World Cancer Day all over the world. The theme this year is “Close the Care Gap”. It is aimed at raising awareness of the equity gap that affects almost everyone, in high as well as low and middle-income countries and is costing lives. It is led by the Union for International Cancer Control (ULCC). Certainly, it is aimed to raise awareness, improve education g personal catalyzing, collective and government action.

ABOUT CANCER

Cancer refers to a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. Cancer can begin from anywhere in the human body which is made up of trillions of cells.

There are several types of cancer around the world that develop in people. Additionally, the types of cancer are named for the organs where the cancers form. For example, lung cancer starts in the lungs, and brain cancer starts in the brain.

According to the World Health Organization, says that cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020. As a consequence of tobacco use, high body mass index, alcohol consumption, low fruit, and vegetable intake, and lack of physical activity.

NEW CASES OF CANCER.

First breast cancer 2.26million cases

Second lung cancer 2.21 million cases

Third colon and rectum cancer 1.98 million cases

Fourth is prostate cancer 1.41 million

Followed by skin cancer (non-melanoma) 1.20 million cases

And lastly, stomach cancer were1.09 cases.

The most common causes of cancer deaths in 2020 were

  • Lung cancer 1.80 million deaths
  • Colon and rectum 916 000 deaths
  • Liver cancer 830,000 deaths
  • Stomach 769,000 deaths
  • And lastly breast cancer 685,000 deaths

The Close the Care Gap theme of 2022 is a three-year campaign for impact. This will go on from 2022 to 2024.

IN 2022 IT IS ALL ABOUT REALIZING THE PROBLEM

This first year of the “Close the Care Gap” is about understanding and recognizing the inequities in cancer care around the globe. We have to open up our minds, look for the hard facts and the challenging conventions.

Some of the hard facts that those who have cancer and those who treat them.

The inequity in cancer care costs lives in a way that is visible and invisible. So many people die because the costs for treatment are high, the hospitals don’t have doctors or health workers that are meant to work on those affected.

Factors of income, education, location, and discrimination based on ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, and lifestyle negatively affect care

This is the year to help reduce the stigma and provide a listing ear to the perspectives of the people living with cancer and their communities and let those surviving involvements guide our thoughts and actions. Having a world of healthier people and better access to health and cancer services in the future, no matter where they are born, grow, age, work, or live.

CALL FOR ACTION

It doesn’t matter how big or how small your contribution is. Taking action together will make a significant difference in reducing cancer’s global impact. Young and old, rich and poor, black and white, male and female, trans and non-binary, east and west, followers, leaders, believers, and non-believers. There are far more things that unite us than divide us. Therefore, let’s agree that to close the gap in cancer care, we need to make the world aware that it exists.

Love Uganda Foundation today joins the world to celebrate World Cancer day under the theme “Close the Care Gap”. We come together in raising awareness and educate people on the causes of cancer and its effects on day-to-day living. We stand together today to show support to the fighters, admiring the survivors and honoring the taken.

The sad thing is that we more often hear this word these days and the good thing is that we will end it one day.

 

THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF EDUCATION

THE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF EDUCATION.

Education is a right for every child all around the world and it’s for the public good. In 2022, the theme of the international day of education will be “Changing Course, Transforming Education”. It is celebrated on the 24th of January every year. The United Nations General Assembly in 2018 adopted a resolution declaring January 24th as an International Day of Education. This was to mark the importance of education in peace and development.  To reinforce transformative actions for equitable, inclusive, and quality education for all as it was co-authored by Nigeria and other member states. In addition, it is also an opportunity to endorse the role of education for all.   Indeed, it’s the fourth year of celebrations since the first-ever in 2019.

The objectives of International Day of Education 2022 are listed below.

  • Reassure commitments and follow-up on measures taken to protect education through increased inclusion and reduced drop-out.
  • Celebrate steps in the right direction taken by educators, governments, and organizations from grassroots to global efforts. This includes partnerships and associations demonstrating the possibility to refurnish education to the principles of equity and relevance.
  • Highlight effective law practices and equitable finance policies for education that effectively target the most disadvantaged section via PEER, a tool featured on UNESCO’S Global Education Monitoring Report Website.
  • Give a voice to the pandemic generation to help them express their aspirations and concerns in the face of tomorrow decided by the economic recession and climate.
Numbers

For example, around the world, 285,000,000 children don’t attend school, and 617,000,000, can’t read nor do basic math. In the sub-Saharan region, 40% of girls are unable to complete lower secondary school. And 4 million children and refugees are out of school.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused chaos in education worldwide. About 1.6 billion school and college-going students had their studies interrupted at the peak of the pandemic and it’s not over yet. The regular closing of schools, exacerbating exacerbates the global learning crisis-affected over 31 million students. Now is the time to talk action.  Increase from 53 to 70 percent in developing countries among children who are unable to read.

The confusion in education extends beyond issues of access and inequality. With the rapid development of technology, the world is changing at a dizzying pace. Even, there is a climate emergency and a widespread loss of trust between people. And institutions, along with unprecedented changes in the world of work. Education systems struggle to provide us with the knowledge, skills. And valves we need for a greener, safer, and better future.

2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

It is a crucial enabler for the entire 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Education is SDG4 “ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” So now is the right time to renew our commitment to education. We must invest in comprehensive plans for helping students recover from learning losses. We must place education at the center of broader recovery efforts aimed at transforming economics and societies and accelerating progress on sustainable development.

it means building financial solidarity with developing countries and undertaking a process of reflection and analysis. The goal is to identify how national systems can evolve and transform between now and 2030. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged everyone to unite around education as a public good and a top political priority for recovery and beyond.

According to UNESCO, the purpose of the International Day of Education is to showcase the most significant changes that need to be nurtured. We must do this to ensure that everyone has access to education. We will discuss how to strengthen education as a public good and for the common good. Steering the digital transformation, supporting teachers, safeguarding the planet, and unlocking every person’s potential to contribute to collective well-being and our shared home.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF EDUCATION

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF EDUCATION

WHY DO WE NEED EDUCATION?

Education will help in reducing the inequalities among people and improve health standards around the world.

We need education to eradicate poverty in developing countries.  Improvement in the standards of living through creating jobs.

To achieve gender equality, there must be quality education for all boys and girls

Improved human rights. Thus a solution to early marriages and early pregnancies.

Education will empower children to achieve their goals and lifetime success.

OUR CALL TO ACTION

Volunteering in Uganda calls upon everyone around the world to create awareness of the importance of education. Communities need to understand how far one can go after receiving an education. Volunteering in Uganda strives to ensure orphans and vulnerable children receive a quality education, with the help of sponsorships and donations. Through our volunteering programs for example education programs and Orphanage programs. Through our community outreaches, we create awareness. In the same way,  as empowering women in societies to become skilled and ultimately breaking the poverty circle.

 

 

 

 

 

NATIONAL POLIO VACCINATION CAMPAIGN
Webmasters January 18, 2022 No Comments

NATIONAL POLIO VACCINATION CAMPAIGN

The national Polio vaccination campaign was a three-day campaign. Aimed at reaching out to all children below the age of five. The target was to immunize 8.8 million children and also reach out to those who missed routine immunization.  The exercise started on the 14th of January, 2021, and ended on the 16th which was a Sunday.

On the 17th of August 2021, the ministry of health declared Polio a Public Health Emergency in Uganda. This followed the positive laboratory tests from environmental samples in Kampala that confirmed Poliovirus Type 2. The World Health Organization certified Uganda and Africa as wild-Polio virus-free in August 2020.  Transmitted from person to person or through contaminated water or food and multiplies inside the intestines. The virus spends through stool from an unvaccinated child which can cause sore throat, fever, tiredness, stomach ache, and paralysis.

The delivery of essential health services including routine immunization was affected extensively. In the process of mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Children immunized against vaccine-preventable diseases were fewer. This slowdown leads to the rebirth of Polio globally, including in Uganda. By the end of August, the Ministry of Health said that up to two million children had missed out on the Polio Vaccination.

The ministry of health brought it to itself to conduct a nationwide Polio immunization campaign in October and December 2021. During which the health workers were to visit house to house. To vaccinate children under the age of 5 years against Polio.  To ensure children are safely vaccinated without the risk of getting affected with COVID_19. The health workers were to wear masks and follow SOPs.

Briefing from the Minister of Health

Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng the Health Minister told the journalists on Wednesday 12th that the new exercise will be conducted door to door. And this will be concurrent with the ongoing COVID-19 vaccinations. As a way to pave way for Polio drive, selected facilities across the country were halted. She was accompanied by Yonas Tegen, the World Health Organization representative to Uganda. And Munir Safielden the UNICEF representatives to Uganda. They flagged off immunization cold chain equipment at kololo Independence Grounds, Kampala.

Dr. Aceng confirmed that the equipment will go a long way in improving immunization services across the country. Gavi gave equipment worth USD 8.3 million. The vaccine alliance was given to districts to ease vaccine storage. These include 5 cold rooms, 2,000 compliant vaccine carriers, 1,435 fridges among others.

Launch of the immunization campaign.

The launch of the immunization campaign took place at Wakiso Health Centre IV on Thursday 13th. On Friday 14th, 2022 the immunization campaign in Uganda started from parts of Wakiso and Kampala. The parents got to know about the campaign through news and adverts on radios, television, and newspapers. The health workers moved from door to door while vaccinating the children. Even those at school. Since the immunization come at a time when children had gone back to school.

Some parents hid their children. They face a risk of having disabilities if not vaccinated. The consent of the parents in the case of immunization is not of importance says the health workers.

Dr. Alfred Driwale, the Programme Manager of the Uganda Expanded program on immunization (UNEPI) told URN. That the number of immunized children has been pilling over the years. He adds that the reason for this is accessibility for especially hard-to-reach areas.

According to the US-Based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, polio, or poliomyelitis is a disabling and life-threatening disease. The virus can infect the spinal cord, causing paralysis, leading to permanent disability or death.

Polio has over the years proven to be a risk to all children. Love Uganda Foundation advises parents to comply and take their children to the health centers to get vaccines. To protect a child from polio you need two drops of the Polio vaccine.

Tobacco products
Webmasters January 12, 2022 No Comments

TOBACCO

Tobacco according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse is a plant grown for its leaves which are dried and fermented before being put in tobacco products. The World Health Organization identifies tobacco as the leading cause of preventable deaths in the world.

Close to 8 million people die around the world every year because of the use of tobacco. More than 7 million of those deaths are a result of direct tobacco use. According to the World Health Organization, people exposed to second-hand smoke are 1.2 million as a result of non-smokers. Tobacco contains nicotine which is an additive making it hard for people to quit.

Numbers

Low and middle-income countries cover over 80% of the 1.3 billion users with a burden of tobacco-related illness and death at its heaviest. It contributes to poverty by diverting household spending from basic needs such as food and shelter to tobacco.

In Uganda, 7.9 percent of adults (age 15+) use tobacco products. The rates are higher in men than women. Average of 11.6 percent of men and 4.6 percent of women. Among the youth, 17.3 percent (5.0 boys and 4.7 girls) use tobacco products. Secondhand smoke exposure goes to 20.4 percent of adults who work indoors, those exposed in restaurants are 16 percent, and exposed in public transport are 7.8 percent. More than 9,650 Ugandans die from smoking-related causes. Smoking tobacco kills 124 men and 64 women every week.

Products

Tobacco products

Tobacco kills most of the people in Uganda and around the world.

People can smoke, chew, or sniff tobacco. Smoked products include cigarettes, cigars, bidis, and kreteks. Loose tobacco is smoked in a pipe ( water pipe ) and chewed products include chewing tobacco, snuff, dip, and snus.

 

 

Health Effects

 The blood absorbs nicotine and demands the brain. The adrenal glands release the hormone epinephrine that stimulates the central nervous system and increases blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate. As it is for other drugs that reinforce rewarding behaviors. Tobacco smoking can lead to lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. It increases the risk of heart disease which can lead to stroke or heart attack. Smoking is close to other cancers like leukemia, cataracts, type 2 diabetes, and pneumonia.

Miscarriages, stillborn or premature infants, or infants with low birth weight are unavoidable if the pregnant woman smokes cigarettes. Its effects don’t spire those who stand or stand those who smoke. Furthermore, Secondhand smoke exposure also leads to lung cancer and heart disease. Children have an increased risk of ear infections, severe asthma, lung infections, and death from infant death syndrome.

In Uganda, people have been hoodwinked to think that tobacco growing improves their livelihoods while consumption is looked at as a leisure activity. In 2015, the country passed one of the strongest laws in the world and the Minister of Health published the tobacco control regulations. Other gains in tobacco control in the country include a ban on direct advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, enforcement of smoke-free environments, and an increase in tobacco taxation by 39.9%.

The tobacco industry has a lot of resources and fighting it is not easy. Given its effects, we must join hands in creating awareness to people on the use of tobacco. However, tobacco has a good part with it. These include:

  • Tobacco is used as a great pest poison for the garden to kill pests, especially caterpillars and snails that tend to feed on leaves.
  •  Help soothe itching and mild pain hence it also helps in relieving allergies.
  •  First aid to minor cuts

But remember to use tobacco to get advice from doctors to avoid health problems.

Call to action.

Choosing to volunteer so that to create awareness to people who smoke to stop and to those who have not yet started not to try it in any way. You will volunteer in our health program, community development and also education program.