Browsing by Author "Okech, Samuel George"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    African animal trypanosomiasis as a constraint to livestock health and production in Karamoja region
    (BMC Veterinary Research, 2017) Muhanguzi, Dennis; Mugenyi, Albert; Bigirwa, Godfrey; Kamusiime, Maureen; Kitibwa, Ann; Akurut, Grace Gloria; Ochwo, Sylvester; Amanyire, Wilson; Okech, Samuel George; Hattendorf, Jan; Tweyongyere, Robert
    Background: Nagana (African Animal Trypanosomiasis-AAT) and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) constrain livestock production in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa. To this realization, Uganda government set up an African trypanosomiasis (AT) control unit, which among other activities generates national tsetse control priority maps using apparent tsetse density data. Such maps underestimate mechanically transmitted AAT and thus ought to be refined using actual AT prevalence data. W therefore set out to generate up-to-date cattle and donkey trypanosomiasis prevalence data as well as find out the constraints to livestock production in Karamoja region in a bid to re-define AT control priority in this region. Results: Livestock keepers and animal health workers indicated that TBDs and AAT were the most important livestock diseases in Karamoja region. The prevalence of Trypanosoma spp. in cattle and donkeys was 16.3% (95% CI: 12.4–21.1%) and 32.4% (95% CI; 20.2–47.6%) respectively. Trypanosoma vivax (12.1%) and Trypanosoma congolense savannah (29.6%) were the most prevalent Trypanosoma spp. in cattle and donkeys respectively. Majority of the cattle (85.7%) and more than half of the donkey (57.1%) herds were positive for Trypanosoma spp. Conclusions: African animal trypanosomiasis and TBDs are the most important constraints to livestock production in Karamoja region. In order to improve livestock production and hence Karamajong livelihoods, government of Uganda and her development partners will need to invest in livestock health programs particularly targeting tsetse and TBD control.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Knowledge, Attitude And Practices About Rabies Management Among Human And Animal Health Professionals In Mbale District, Uganda
    (One health outlook, 2020) Monje, Fred; Erume, Joseph; Mwiine, Frank N.; Kazoora, Herbert; Okech, Samuel George
    To assess the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of animal and human health professionals towards rabies management and also to establish the level of relationship between KAP.A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2012 and March 2013 among 147 randomly selected animal and human health professionals in Mbale District. Of these, only 16 were animal health professionals. Quantitative data was obtained using a semi-structured questionnaire while qualitative data was obtained from 4 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and 2 Key Informant (KI) interviews. Quantitative data was entered into EpiInfo version 3.5.1 and proportions computed while qualitative data was summarised into themes and sub-themes resulting from content analysis of interview scripts.Of all the respondents, only 44% (65/147) had sufficient knowledge about rabies while 25% (37/147) had positive attitude towards rabies management. A half of the respondents (50%,73/147) had limited good practices. Respondents knowledgeable about rabies were more likely to have positive attitude towards rabies management (OR = 3.65; 95% CI: 1.60–8.3) while respondents with positive attitudes, were more likely to have good practices towards rabies management (OR: 2.22; 95% CI: 1.01–4.86).Respondents had low knowledge, negative attitude and limited good practices of rabies management. Regular refresher trainings about rabies to broaden staff knowledge and improve their attitudes and hence practices of rabies management should be conducted by the District leaders. Harnessing multi-sectoral and multi-disciplinary collaborative efforts (“One Health” approach) for rabies control should be instituted to reduce the incidence of the disease in the District.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Veterinary undergraduate training in Uganda: a model for decentralized service delivery.
    (2007-11-04) Okech, Samuel George; Azuba-Musoke, Rose; Muwazi, Ruth T.; Kabasa, John David; Katunguka-Rwakishaya, Eli
    The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Makerere University piloted a student community attachment training programme from 2002/2003 to 2006/2007 academic years for students of Veterinary Medicine to support decentralization of services in Uganda. Decentralised governance and service delivery is a relatively new phenomenon in Uganda. Previous veterinary training was designed for centralized service delivery under one central government. A study by the Makerere Institute of Social Research (MISR) had identified gaps in training that included among others, the need for Makerere University graduates to translate theory into practice within the community context. MISR recommended community-based internship and practical training to be integrated in selected university programmes. The objectives were to enhance practical training, develop interpersonal skills for veterinary undergraduate students and reach out to the farming communities. The Rockefeller Foundation supported the pilot student attachments through the Makerere University Capacity Building programme for decentralized districts. The student attachments (if found effective) were to be sustained by the university at the end of the pilot. The model developed and implemented by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine involved posting each of the final year veterinary students to reside on a farm for a period of up to 10 weeks. While on the farm the students were introduced to and guided on the daily routine farm activities by the farmer or farm manager. The latter also monitored the student's technical contribution and social abilities. A local veterinarian working under the decentralised system provided technical supervision and guidance to the students. Staff of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine personnel periodically visited farms to assess the level of exposure, technical contribution and any innovations by the students besides evaluating the students' welfare. Our findings indicate that the community attachments were greatly appreciated by farmers, farm managers, veterinarians and students (who have participated in it). It is an appropriate option for improving practical training of and assimilating veterinary students into community-based approaches to service delivery. The students have not only been able to enhance their professional skills but also benefited from interacting with people at different levels on the farms. They have learnt to work in teams with stakeholders in a decentralized system of governance and service delivery. The lessons learnt by students through this exposure prepared them for working with the communities they serve after completing their university training. On the other hand, the farmers benefited greatly from the professional input made by these final year students. It is because of its 'popularity' and acceptance among the farmers and students (as the major stakeholders) that the program has continued to run. It blends well into the revised Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine curriculum