Background Participation of men in Maternal and Child Health (MCH) is crucial for the reduction of infant and maternal mortality. Men may be influential in making health care decisions that may affect their female partner’s access to health care services, but also as individuals, whose health status has a significant impact on the health of their partners’ and that of their children. However, male involvement is still inadequate due to various reasons. This paper sought to explore the community perspectives towards participation of men in maternal and child health care in Kabale District, Western Uganda. Methods The study used a case study approach. Household questionnaires, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, direct field observation and document review were employed to collect data. One hundred and twenty-four respondents completed a household questionnaire, eight key informants took part in semi-structured interviews and thirty-six community members (two men and two women groups) participated in focus group discussions. Results The participation of men in maternal and child health care was found to be low. Patriarchal community values and norms influencing gender roles hindered male involvement in MCH. More so, sensitisation on the importance of male involvement was inadequate. Conclusion Men’s participation in MCH is affected by multiple factors emanating from the community and health institutions. Involving men in MCH is critical, and therefore participatory and comprehensive approaches should be applied to encourage participation. Sensitisation of communities is fundamental for increasing awareness of the significance of male involvement in MCH.

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Background Over the years, there has been advocacy for use of improved cookstoves as one of the initiatives towards reducing overdependence on biomass energy. There is growing concern that the use of biomass energy may expose users to pollution which may be detrimental to their health. This study aimed at examining the health concerns of women attributed to access and use of biomass fuel in rural areas of Western Uganda. Methods A cross-sectional study design was employed where 193 respondents and 10 key informants participated in the interviews. Four focused group discussions were held in the districts of Mbarara and Bushenyi in Western Uganda. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, while qualitative data were analyzed using the thematic approach. Results Dependence on biomass energy may expose users especially women to both physical and psychological health challenges. Findings suggest that the type of cookstove and cooking structure contribute to indoor air pollution. Women are exposed to pollution while preparing meals using biomass fuel which may lead to respiratory complications and other health-related challenges. Additionally, while gathering biomass fuel, women may be exposed to other risks and hazards that may lead to poor health and or trauma. Conclusion It is crucial for different stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to promote use of improved cookstoves through sensitization programs, promotional campaigns, and development of supportive regulatory frameworks for the well-being of women and their families.

Male participation in MCH leaves a lot to be desired. Health facilities and structures are neither conducive nor encouraging participation. Therefore, health institutions should design innovative strategies mainstreaming male involvement in line with development trends as well as enhance ethics and integrity among health care workers.

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So far, literature on solid waste management regulation in the informal settlements of Sub-Saharan African cities has yet to enlist the social-ecological context. To examine this context, we employ a mixed methods approach to collect data on waste management regulations and practices in the Makindye informal settlements. Our study reveals that multiple waste management practices are conducted simultaneously by households. Poor socio-economic status, spatial challenges and ignorance of regulations determine undesirable waste management practices such as open dumping and burning. Desirable practices such as waste sorting or recycling are neither merely practiced for monetary gain nor in observance of regulation. Practices, whether desirable or not, are acquired through interactions in the community, where formal rules, as well as informal ones, are at play. Notably, most residents are unaware of waste management regulations for Kampala city or their community. Thus, some residents engage in illegal waste management practices without the inclination to commit an offense, while others adopt “community malpractices”. However, residents are relatively more aware of informal rules than formal ones confirming the role of socialization. We argue that practices are not by instinct; therefore, while regulations shape values and norms, the reverse should also be true. Since residents are unaware of prevalent formal rules, we conclude that policymakers and enforcers may not have effectively socialized residents on regulatory instruments to transform undesired values and norms. Consequently, values and norms at the intrapersonal and interpersonal levels have influenced behaviors more than policies enforced by the government. Thus, sensitization initiatives should focus on socialization structures if responsive behaviors that conform to guidelines for better waste management practices are to be promoted in the informal settlements of Sub-Saharan African cities.

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Proper beef handling contributes to achieving sustainable development goals 3 (good health and well-being) and 12 (sustainable consumption and production patterns). This is because it ensures the safety of meat and consumers’ health. However, the meat sector is still underdeveloped in most African countries. In addition, there is limited research addressing meat safety challenges. In Uganda particularly, in the recent past, there was whistle-blowing over contaminated beef on the market, indicating a  loophole in food safety. Despite this, studies focusing on beef handling practices have remained scanty. Thus, this study aimed to examine beef handling practices at the abattoirs and butcher shops in Uganda's Central, Western, and Eastern regions. A mixed-methods approach was employed to collect data through a survey, in-depth interviews, and on-site observations. Findings revealed that beef handling practices were poor at abattoirs and butcher shops and that most facilities for safety measures were lacking or inadequate. Only 3% of the respondents had cold room storage facilities, and meat spoilage was relatively high (85.3%). Appropriate knowledge of meat safety among abattoir and butcher operators was inadequate, contributing to low compliance with food safety guidelines. Inappropriate handling practices and poor handling facilities may put consumers at a health risk. The study recommends that responsible authorities should ensure compliance mechanisms and sensitization initiatives are prioritized.