Uganda, Cuba to establish joint modern Bio-tech research facility

By George Mangula

The Vice President Edward KiwanukaSsekandi currently in Cuba has asked the Government of Cuba to establish a modern Bio-tech centre in Uganda to facilitate joint medical research between Cuba and Ugandan scientists especially in non-communicable diseases.

Ssekandi while visiting Havana Centre for Genetic Engineering and Bio-technology in Havana observed that many Ugandans have had their limps amputated due to diseases like cancer and diabetes which affects their productivity and phyco –social relations making them a burden to the family and society and yet there is a cure that can reverse all the effects.

He said that the problem is not only for Ugandans but also the neighbouring countries saying Uganda also carries a disease burden of the neighbours and asked Cuba to come in so that the two countries can jointly do research that will contribute the body of knowledge that will help in addressing many of the current challenges faced by the African countries.

Ssekandi also invited Cuban specialist professionals especially in areas of cancer to Uganda to support Uganda Cancer institute in training more Ugandans who will in turn reach more cancer patients on sensitisation, early detection and treatment of cancers before it’s too late like is the current situation.

According to Manuel Raices Perez Castarieda, the Director of the Centre, many cancers can be treated if detected early adding that Cuba has now included some cancers among immunisable disease among children so that by the time they are adults, have developed mechanisms to deter certain cancers from attacking the body.

He also said that there are also clinical trials for HIV/ Aids drug that might prove more effective in generating antibodies that might deny HIV/Aids entry of an immunised person and asked Uganda to take part in the trials which he said might provide a solution to the HIV/Aids pandemic.

During a meeting with the Minister for Public health, Jose Angel Potial Miranda the two Governments have agreed to set up a technical working group that will come up with the necessary framework that will provide for the collaboration and infrastructure that will be key in attaining the goals for the collaboration.

The two sides agreed to identify areas that need urgent intervention and also agreed to trigger paper trail that will finally culminate into ratification of MOUs in the respective areas of cooperation.

Ssekandi who is on a three-day official visit here, is accompanied by State Minister for Foreign Affairs, OkelloOryem, for education JC Muyingo, for Minerals Sarah Opendi, for trade Michael Werikhe, Uganda High Commissioner, Ruth Ocheng.