Department of Clinical Phamacology
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Item Income-based disparities in perceived benefits and challenges of virtual global health activities during the COVID-19 pandemic : mixed methods analysis.(JMIR, 2025) Zhou, Shuo; Kagoya, Enid Kawala; Coria, Alexandra; Beck, Alyssa; Evert, Jessica; Haque, Marina; Lamb, Molly M.; Rule, Amy RL; Umphrey, LisaBackground: Global health activities (GHAs) can potentially reduce health disparities by facilitating resource sharing, promoting medical education and professional development worldwide, and enhancing collaboration among high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted in-person GHAs due to strict infection control and travel restrictions. To ensure the continuity of GHAs and further address health inequity, virtual GHAs (VGHAs) are gaining traction. Objective: Our research aimed to understand how people perceive the benefits and challenges of VGHAs, analyze and compare whether HIC and LMIC respondents have different perceptions of virtual and in-person GHAs, and summarize suggestions for improvement to inform the future development of VGHAs. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional web-based survey during the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2022. Eligible participants were adult students, trainees, or professionals who participated in, created, taught, or facilitated GHAs. We thematically analyzed participants’ free-text responses regarding their perceptions of the benefits and challenges of virtual and in-person GHAs. The patterns differed depending on whether respondents were from HICs or LMICs; thus, we compared frequencies of each theme between the 2 groups. Results: A total of 154 respondents from 34 countries were included in the analysis. Key benefits of VGHAs were improved access to global health resources or content, reduced cost, easier scheduling and planning, expanded remote participation, and wider participation and reach. The themes that emerged as challenges of VGHAs included a lack of infrastructure to engage virtually, being less motivated and engaged, a lack of in-person and hands-on experience, and challenges with virtual communication and collaboration. LMIC respondents, compared to HIC counterparts, were more likely to identify reduced cost (26/67, 39% LMIC compared to 20/87, 23% HIC; χ21=4.5; P=.03) and expanding knowledge, experience, or skills (15/67, 22% LMIC compared to 8/87, 9% HIC; χ21=5.2; P=.02) as benefits of VGHAs, lack of infrastructure to engage virtually as a challenge of VGHAs (38/67, 57% LMIC compared to 31/87, 36% HIC; χ21=6.8; P=.009), and to suggest improving the content to be more interesting and relevant (6/67, 9% LMIC compared to 1/87, 1% HIC; χ21=5.3, P=.02). In contrast, HIC respondents were more likely to identify fostering continuity of relationship or activities (28/87, 32% HIC compared to 6/67, 9% LMIC; χ21=11.9; P<.001) as a benefit of VGHAs and being less engaged and motivated to participate virtually (43/87, 49% HIC compared to 19/67, 28% LMIC; χ21=7.0; P=.008) as a challenge of VGHAs. Conclusions: Our findings add to the existing literature by understanding how GHA participants from HICs and LMICs perceive the benefits and challenges of VGHAs differently. These data help elucidate what makes VGHAs acceptable to global health partners and suggest improvements to ensure partner needs are served equitably within the partnership. Keywords global health (129); virtual (59); in-person (5); perceived benefits and challenges (1); COVID-19 pandemic (128); medical education (710)Item Phytochemical analysis and toxicity evaluation of polyscias fulva stem bark extract using gas chromatography‑mass spectrometry, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, in silico, and in vivo studies in wistar rats.(Discover Toxicology, 2025) Kiyimba, Kenedy; Ahmed, Ayaz; Choudhary, Muhammad Iqbal; Obakiro, Samuel Baker; Gavamukulya, Yahaya; Guantai, Eric M.; Munyendo, Were LincolnScientific research on Polyscias fulva has demonstrated the plant’s pharmacological properties, including antitumor, antibacterial, and hypoglycemic effects, but there is a paucity of data concerning the phytochemical components responsible for these effects as well as the safety of Polyscias fulva. This study aimed to profile the phytoconstituents in the different solvent fractions of the ethanolic extract of Polyscias fulva stem bark using GC–MS and FTIR analysis, and subsequently evaluate acute and sub-acute toxicity effects in Wistar albino rats. GC–MS analysis identified 19 major phytocompounds. In silico toxicity prediction revealed the potential skin sensitization, eye corrosion, and respiratory toxicity effects of some of the identified compounds. Polyscias fulva ethanolic stem bark extract showed minimum acute toxicity in Wistar albino rats, with an LD50 exceeding 5000 mg/kg. Sub-acute toxicity testing did not show any significant biochemical or hematological toxic effects. However, dose dependent histopathological toxic effects were noted in the lungs with the lower doses (200 and 400 mg/kg) causing mild bronchitis with mononuclear cell infiltration, and the highest dose (800 mg/kg) causing marked peri-bronchiolar and perivascular lymphoid cell accumulation. These findings suggest the presence of pharmacologically active phytochemicals in Polyscias fulva with no major acute toxicity, biochemical or hematological toxic effects, but with lung specific dose-dependent histopathological toxic effects, and predicted skin and eye sensitivity reactions. Further research is needed to identify the specific phytochemicals responsible for its pharmacological activities and potential toxic effects, to inform its safe use in managing human ailments. Keywords Polyscias fulva · Acute toxicity · Sub-acute toxicity · GC–MS · FTIRItem Drug likeliness, pharmacokinetics profiling and efficacy of polyscias fulva bioactive compounds in the management of uterine fibroids; an integrative in silico and in vivo approach.(Elsevier Ltd., 2025) Kiyimba, Kenedy; Munyendo, Lincoln; Obakiro, Samuel Baker; Gavamukulya, Yahaya; Ahmed, Ayaz; Choudhary, Muhammad Iqbal; Shafiq, Muhammad; Ul-Haq, Zaheer; Guantai, EricPolyscias fulva is traditionally used in Uganda for the management of Uterine fibroids (UF). However, there is paucity of data regarding its efficacy, biological targets and potential mechanisms of action hence prompting scientific validation process through insilico and invivo approaches. In this study, we utilized network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamic simulations and invivo assays to investigate the drug likeliness, pharmacokinetics and efficacy of Polyscias fulva against Uterine fibroids. Four Polyscias fulva bioactive compounds; pinoresinol, lichexanthone, methyl atarate, β-sitosterol exhibited drug likeness properties with moderate safety profiles. Forty-eight (48) uterine fibroid targets were identified as potential targets for the eleven Polyscias fulva compounds. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis revealed four key targets (HIF1A, ESR1, EGFR, and CASP3). The KEGG pathway and GO enrichment analyses revealed that these key targets play significant roles in regulating the positive regulation of cyclin-dependent protein serine/threonine kinase activity, positive regulation of nitric-oxide synthase activity and positive regulation of transcription, DNA-templated. β-sitosterol demonstrated the strongest binding affinity with the four targets, showing particularly strong affinities for EGFR (−9.75 kcal/mol) and HIF1A (−9.21 kcal/mol). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealed high stability in these protein-ligand complexes, with CASP3 displaying the lowest deviation and most consistent RMSD (0.14 nm) of the protein, followed by EGFR (0.25), HIF1A (0.29), and ESR1 (0.79). In-vivo evaluation on female Wistar rats with Polyscias fulva ethanolic extract showed an ameliorative effect of the extracts against monosodium glutamate-induced (MSG) UF. Treated animals exhibited a decrease in serum proteins, cholesterol, estrogen, and progesterone levels (P < 0.05) and the extract preserved uterine tissue histoachitecture as compared to controls. In conclusion, Polyscias fulva demonstrates potential ameliorative activity against UF with promising pharmacokinetic properties and safety profiles.Item Government to roll out new vaccines(New Vision, 2018-04-25) Baike, PriscaApril 24-30 is World Immunisation week. Apart from saving lives, immunisation greatly reduces illness and death from vaccine-preventable diseases. Prisca Baike looks at the new vaccines to be introduced soon.Item How to fight malaria drug resistance(New Vision, 2018-04-25) Amongin, FaithUganda is still stuck at the control phase despite the various interventions by government and other stake holders to reduce the prevalence like the ongoing distribution of Insecticide mosquito Treated Nets (ITN) and Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) in mainly areas where prevalence is highest. However, one of the major complications in the fight against malaria is the issue of drug resistance; that is the reduction in the effectiveness of a medication that is used repeatedly.Item Uganda's pharmaceutical sector growing steadily.(Daily Monitor, 2017-10-02) Nasasira, Roland DPharmacists in Uganda have appealed to the government to invest in research if the country's pharmaceutical sector is to register remarkable growth. Mr. Samuel Opio, the secretary of (PSU), says in the past 10 years, PSU has experienced an increase in numbers of pharmacies from 450 to more than 1,000 pharmacies national wide.Item How to start uo a pharmacy.(Daily Monitor, 2017-10-02) Nasasira, RolandAbout seven years ago, Mr. Benard Ainebyoona, a telecommunication engineer established a drug shop in Sonde, Mukono district. After realising that there was no pharmacy in the area, he upgraded his drug shop into a pharmacy and equipped it with a blood testing laboratory to increase on health services offered to his customers.Item Vaccine against malaria on test trial(New Vision, 2018-04-25) Basudde, ElvisThe vaccines against malaria have been the object of constant endeavor by the scientific community and pharmaceutical industries for over three decades, with little success so far. Even doctors from the National Malaria Control Programme, at the ministry of Health, have expressed pessimism, saying currently the scientific team in Uganda is not having any success story in terms of developing an in country malaria vaccine.Item How alleged fake hepatitis vaccines were stolen(New Vision, 2018-04-29) Etukuri, CharlesThe Hepatitis B vaccines that were confiscated by the National Drug Authority (NDA) in March this year and declared fake, were actually not, They actually belonged to National Medical Stores (NMS) but were diverted along the supply chain and sold to private medical facilities.Item Mobile herbalists banned(New Vision, 2018-05-25) Kasujja, CarolThe National Drug Authority (NDA) yesterday, during a media breakfast announced a new crackdown on unlicensed herbalists, including hawkers and vendors of drug concoctions.Item Wandegeya Pharmacy closed(Sunday Vision, 2018-04-22) Kasujja, Carol; Ssejjoba, EddieThe National Drug Authority has halted operations of Friecca Pharmacy in Wandegeya, a city suburb, saying it has been operating without a licence.Item The pharmaceutical society of Uganda (PSU)(Daily Monitor, 2017-10-02) Kyama, EricPharmacists in Uganda have called for more support towards pharmaceutical service delivery as key stakeholders in the country's health sector. Under their umbrella body: pharmaceutical society of Uganda (PSU) the pharmacists said that many health facilities I both the private and public sector do not sufficient employ pharmacists,Item Pharmacy students ask govt to increase health budget(New Vision, 2018-04-25) Ssengendo, AbdulkarimPharmacy students in Uganda have urged the Government to increase the health budget and number of pharmacists being trained in the country every year.Item Children diagnosed with diabetes(New Vision, 2018-04-16) Magezi, N LilianRecently, a donation of half a million syringes for children with diabetes type type 1, was made through Sonia Nabela Foundation - an organisation that raises awareness about the disease in Uganda.Item Pharmacies stopped from running retail, wholesale at a go.(New Vision, 2018-01-12) Kitubi, MartinThe National Drug Authority (NDA) has stopped issuing licences to pharacies offering both wholesale and retail services due to compromising patients' privacy. Donna Kusemererwa, the executive director of NDA, revealed to New Vision that the new rule will affect new pharmacies, but those in existence will be given time to separate retail from wholesale business.Item NDA is wrong on drug shops ban.(New Vision, 2018-01-18) Birungi, John PeterRecently the National Drug Authority issued a directive that drug shops are to be phased out in municipalities and the city. The reason given was that drug shops must be transformed into pharmacist. The reason given appears to be weak.Item Drug shops to be phased out.(New Vision, 2018-01-11) Amamukirori, BettyDrug shops located in the city , municipalities and town councils have been given one year to either transform into pharmacies or shut down, Donna Kusemerewa, the executive director of National Drug Authority(NDA) has said. She said pharmacies are stocked with all types of drugs and can sufficiently serve the population.Item Pharmacists petition govt over delayed registration(Daily Monitor., 2018-03-01) Namagembe, LilianPharmacist graduates have petitioned the ministry of health over the delayed issuance of their practising licences after finishing internship last year. In a February 27 petition signed by 56 of affected 100 phyarmacists, the graduates demand that they be registered and issused with certificates of registration within seven daysItem Pharmacists petition government over delayed registration(Daily Monitor, 2018-03-01) Namagembe, LilianPharmacist graduates have petitioned the Ministry of Health over delayed issuance their practicing licences after finishing internship last year.Item Why government will give free hepatitis B vaccines(Daily Monitor, 2018-05-01) Ainebyoona, EmmanuelHealth officials say they do not want to waste the drugs, which will expire in the next six months.
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