The Government of Uganda has successfully managed to control the spread of the virus thus far; however, WHO’s team in the Country office, led by Dr. Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam, WHO Representative in Uganda, is in the discussion with officials about the need to do more considering the looming threats of outbreaks in neighboring countries. A new laboratory capable of processing 62 COVID-19 samples per hour is being installed at Mutukula border entry point shared by Uganda and Tanzania. The tests will particularly target truck drivers who heavily traffic the Mutukula Point of Entry. Upon inspection of the entry point, Ministry of Health officials and WHO representatives to Uganda found its porosity could lead to cross-border COVID-19 importation.
The Government of Denmark has signed a grant worth two million dollars to support the COVID-19 response in Uganda by providing lifesaving commodities such as masks and Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) for health workers. The funds will also support the improvement of Sexual and Reproductive Health services in selected districts. Denmark’s grant is to be channeled through WHO and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). With the support of WHO and other partners the Ministry of Health is also working to prepare and provide COVID-19 patient care facilities at national and sub-national levels.
Read the full WHO/AFRO story on Denmark’s support for Uganda’s COVID-19 response
Read the full story on the new Mutukula Port of Entry laboratory on the WHO/AFRO website