Gov't sets aside another sh30b for research

HEALTH

The Government has approved sh30b for research in the different science fields for the financial year 2019-2020, as a way of boosting innovation in the country.
 
Joyce Moriku, the Minister of State for Primary Healthcare revealed that the government is currently focusing on science and research as a way of building capacity and academic empowerment.
 
She was addressing the 3rd International Federation of Environment Health (IFEH) and the 16th Makerere University Environment Health Students' Association (MUEHSA) scientific Conference in Kampala recently.
 
"The medical team has for years been concentrating on disease treatment, however, the government realised the need for more prevention than curative methods. The Government spends over sh2.6b each year towards preventable diseases which is can be used to other pressing issues if preventative measures are adhered to," he noted.
 
Moriku who was representing the Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda, also asked Makerere University to fast track the commencement of the master's degree in Environment health as a way of increasing research in the country.
 
The Ministry of Health in their budget 2018/2019 got Shs1.26 billion for research, however, the shShs30billion has to be divided across different sectors for the next financial year for science and research.
 
Dr. Rhoda Wanyenze, the dean of Makerere School of Public Health said the world is faced with several environmental health challenges such as pollution, climate change, improper housing and water, sanitation and hygiene especially in developing countries that require innovative solutions that the university needs to ably equip the Environmental Health laboratory so as to have useful tests on the environment.
 
"We cannot tell how much our water bodies are polluted; we cannot tell which pesticides are harmful to our health. Good enough, the deputy vice-chancellor has made it clear that we have secured funds for this laboratory and equipment that is required," she added.
 
Prof. William Bazeyo, the deputy Vice Chancellor of Makerere University in charge of Finance and Administration said the university has secure funds to construct and equip the Environment Health laboratory.
 
"We have already secured money to start constructing the lab. We are also ready to start the master's degree since the curriculum has been completed. As a country, were are at crossroads. We need to tackle so many issues like multi-resistance drugs, starvation, climate change, communication, and non-communicable diseases," he said.
 
The 3rd International Federation of Environment Health is being held in Africa for the first time. This year's theme for the conference "Environment Health: a cornerstone to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals" reflects the vital role of the Environmental Health to sustainable development for both locally and globally.