Talking About Gene Drive in Uganda: The Need for Science Communication to Underpin Engagement.

Uganda may host the world's first field trials of gene drive mosquitoes for malaria control. Global North discourses pre-suppose African publics have access to information about gene drive and are ready to make decisions about its governance. We explore assumptions about the availability of this information in Uganda.

Perceived barriers of access to health and nutrition services under drought and food insecurity emergency in north-east Uganda: a qualitative study.

Background: In the face of drought and food insecurity emergency, evidence on access to health and nutrition services is important. Karamoja is one of the regions that have experienced extreme drought and food insecurity emergency in Uganda. As a part of the drought and food insecurity emergency response, World Health Organization (WHO) with Ministry of Health (MoH) has designed and implemented a qualitative study in 15 districts that have experienced drought and food insecurity emergency in north-east Uganda.

Essential health services delivery and quality improvement actions under drought and food insecurity emergency in north-east Uganda.

Background: Essential health services can be disrupted due to several naturally occurring public health emergencies such as drought, flood, earthquake and outbreak of infectious diseases. However, little evidence exists on the status of essential health services delivery under the effect of drought and food insecurity. North-east Uganda is severely affected by prolonged drought that significantly affected the livelihood of the residents.

'There is nowhere to take the child': a qualitative study of community members' views on managing early childhood substance use in Mbale, Uganda.

Background: Harmful alcohol use by 5-8-year-old children has been identified in Mbale District, Uganda. To further examine this finding, the present study explores the experiences and perceptions of community members regarding how childhood substance use (before age 10) is managed in this area.

Methods: We conducted eight focus group discussions with 48 parents of children aged < 10 years and 26 key informant interviews with teachers, health workers, child protection workers, police, local stakeholders, brewers, and others.

'As soon as they can hold a glass, they begin taking alcohol': a qualitative study on early childhood substance use in Mbale District, Uganda.

Background: Globally, substance use is a leading contributor to the burden of disease among young people, with far reaching social, economic and health effects. Following a finding of harmful alcohol use among 5-8-year-old children in Mbale District, Uganda, this study aims to investigate community members' views on early childhood substance use among children below the age of 10 years.

Methods: In 2016, we conducted eight focus group discussions with 48 parents and 26 key informant interviews with teachers, health workers, alcohol distributors, traditional healers, religious leaders, community leaders and youth workers.

Ugandan stakeholder hopes and concerns about gene drive mosquitoes for malaria control: new directions for gene drive risk governance.

Background: The African Union's High-Level Panel on Emerging Technologies identified gene drive mosquitoes as a priority technology for malaria elimination. The first field trials are expected in 5-10 years in Uganda, Mali or Burkina Faso. In preparation, regional and international actors are developing risk governance guidelines which will delineate the framework for identifying and evaluating risks.