KAMPALA – As of today over 40,000 and 344 COVID-19 cases and deaths respectively have been recorded in Uganda, with the confirmed and hospitalized caseloads progressively dropping in the past two months of January and February.
Scientists have said the progressive drop after the peak of October, November, December 2020 where Uganda experienced phase 4 of the transmission rate, had been predicted. However, they also presume that there is a likelihood of a rebound of cases (Wave 2) with much sustained and intense transmission.
This month the Government of Uganda received donations of 964,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. Of this, 864,000 doses arrived on Friday 5th March 2021 from the COVAX facility while 100,000 doses arrived on 7th March 2021 from the Government of India.
The official launch of the vaccination exercise took place on the 10th March 2021 at Mulago Specialized Women’s and Neonatal Hospital whereas the countrywide COVID-19 Vaccination exercise began on Thursday 11th March 2021 in a staggered manner targeting;
• All Health Care Workers.
• Teachers among other essential social service providers.
• Security personnel.
• Adults aged 50 years and above.
• Persons with underlying health conditions aged below 50 years.
• Other essential groups including; airlines, Media, prisoners, Tour Operators and Guides, Bankers, Immigration officers, Uganda WildLife Authority, Uganda Revenue Authority, Humanitarian Workers, and Others to be Identified.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Center in Kampala, Minister Jane Ruth Aceng categorically stated that Vaccination will be voluntary and free of charge. However, she emphasized that the public continues following the COVID-19 SOPs to prevent the spread of the disease.
Each district will have five Vaccination service points established at the National and Regional Referral Hospitals, District Hospitals, health center IVs, and health center Ills.
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