Ugandan Self-Medication Sparks Health Concerns

KAMPALA - Medical professionals have expressed worries about the growing trend of individuals treating themselves without professional guidance.

A research titled "The Nature of Self-Medication in Uganda," released in January 2025, revealed that self-treatment is widespread in Uganda, although the prevalence differs among various age categories.

A similar investigation revealed that 52% of adults were affected, whereas only 33% of children showed the condition, with women reporting a somewhat greater occurrence (68%) than men (66%).

The research outcomes showed that antibiotics are frequently used without medical supervision, with factors such as easy availability of medicines, belief in their economic value, extended waits at hospitals, keeping leftover drugs at home, and considering ailments as trivial being major influences on this practice.

The research involved 9,113 individuals from various demographic groups and geographical areas within Uganda.

Due to restricted financial assistance and an increase in health issues, many consider it necessary to take action to lower death rates and illness levels.

The head of the Ugandan Healthcare Federation, Grace Kiwanuka, stated that self-medication grew more concerning during the COVID-19 quarantine period, as individuals started purchasing drugs without prescriptions.

Kiwanuka observed that most individuals using medications like dexamethasone experienced signs of diabetes and additional medical issues.

"Once you get diabetes, it implies you will have to control it with medicine forever, which can be expensive," she stated.

Kiwanuka also highlighted that the private sector is now facing difficulties as individuals opt to purchase medications directly from pharmacies instead of seeking accurate diagnoses from medical experts.

Possible dangers associated with self-treatment involve misidentifying one’s condition and using inappropriate medicine, resulting in various issues, thereby complicating the management of diseases.

In certain cases, harmful drug interactions can arise from improper dosing or wrong use of medications.

"We should make sure individuals recognize the significance of diagnosis and testing to enable them to make well-informed choices about which medicines to use," Kiwanuka stated.

She spoke about these comments during the opening of the Family Health Expo and Symposium held at the Imperial Royal Hotel in Kampala not long ago.

Set from August 1 to 3, 2025, at the UMA exhibition grounds in Kampala, the family health fair and conference seeks to inform Ugandans about managing their well-being at home.

Furthermore, it will clarify misunderstandings and guide the general population on where to seek accurate diagnosis and care.

Hosted by the Uganda Healthcare Federation, along with the Ministry of Health and Copious, the gathering will further examine real-world strategies designed to lower the incidence of illness, increase availability of cost-effective medical services, and strengthen the entire healthcare framework according to Uganda's focus on prevention rather than treatment," stated Kiwanuka.

She also mentioned that the nation's healthcare system still deals with elevated illness and death rates, caused by conditions that could have been avoided.

"Numerous people and households still face suffering and death from avoidable diseases mainly because they are unaware of preventive actions and timely treatment methods," she stated.

In this sense, preventive and initial health care measures play a vital role in lowering the impact of illness and enhancing well-being.

The leading apostle of the BornAgain Faith, Dr. Joseph Sserwadda, urged followers to refrain from self-treatment and consult healthcare professionals when unwell, in order to receive accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.

Health ministry

Dr. Timothy Musila, who serves as the assistant commissioner for health services (private sector coordination) within the Ministry of Health, has repeatedly mentioned that numerous individuals find themselves hospitalized for conditions that could have been prevented.

Dr. Musila pointed out that spending money directly on healthcare is the main reason for poverty among families in Uganda.

"Families liquidate their possessions to generate funds for medical expenses of the ill. As a result, they continue to live in poverty even when the patient remains uncured," said Dr. Musila.

As per the World Bank, approximately 40% of overall healthcare spending in Uganda comes from patients' own funds, with projected information indicating that almost 80% of the population face a high likelihood of facing extreme financial hardship or poverty as a result of medical expenses.

Musila mentioned that many of these resources could be preserved if Uganda manages to lower the impact of diseases.

Brian Bogere, head of Copious Health Services, urged cooperation and teamwork, stating that religious figures should address their followers, while community leaders should leverage traditional gatherings to bring about shifts in attitudes toward wellness.

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