Children hospitalised after Butebo drug mix-up out of danger

What the report says

Health officials in Uganda say children hospitalized after a medicine mix-up in Butebo District are now out of danger and are expected to be discharged. The incident happened during an Integrated Child Health Day outreach in Kabwangasi Town Council, where 23 children were allegedly given carbamazepine, an anticonvulsant, instead of mebendazole, which is normally used to treat worm infections.

According to the reports cited by The Independent Uganda, the wrong medicine led to serious reactions in several children, including drowsiness, reduced consciousness, convulsions and vomiting. One two-year-old boy died, while 16 children were transferred to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for treatment. Officials said seven children treated at Kabwangasi Health Centre III had already been discharged and were recovering.

Julius Mayengo of the National Drug Authority said the admitted children had stabilized, and a multidisciplinary team has been set up to examine how the error occurred. The Ministry of Health has also sent experts to Butebo and Mbale districts. The Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda said the case highlights continuing weaknesses in medicine handling during outreach campaigns, and noted that a similar incident had been reported earlier this year. The matter is important because it raises concerns about patient safety and drug management in community health services.