U.S. Commits Shs12.4bn to Uganda’s Fight against Covid-19

The US government donated $3.5 million, or about Shs12.4 billion, to support Uganda in fighting Covid-19.

The funds, which were donated through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will be used to acquire more medical oxygen and other supplies need to fend of the virus, the US embassy in Uganda said in a Friday statement.

The donation from USAID follows another Shs8 billion committed by the World Health Organisation and the government of the Netherland to support the health ministry in the acquisition of Covid-19 vaccines.

Uganda has placed orders for millions of Covid-19 doses and they’ll be arriving in the coming months.

Data from the health ministry shows 1,087,152 doses have been administered so far.

The UK government through United Kingdom Agency for International Development, or UKAID, at the start of this month, injected £500,000 (about Shs2.4 billion) into purchasing supplies for hospitals in Uganda.

The Agency said the funds would be used to acquire 7,500-litre oxygen cylinders, protective gear for health workers, and this is projected to benefit about 1.8 million people.

The first supplies went to Mulago National Referral Hospital, Namboole Covid-19 Treatment Centre, Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, Mbale Regional Referral Hospital and Moroto Regional Referral Hospital.

The funds were to also help support 4 oxygen plants for 3 months, erect a new oxygen plant at Kayunga Referral Hospital.

The PPEs would be taken to Arua Regional Referral Hospital, Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, Moroto Regional Referral Hospital. Some of the funds would be committed to training of health care workers in PPE and oxygen use.

“This outbreak of COVID-19 is a huge challenge globally and the UK continues to be at the forefront of global efforts to tackle the pandemic. As one of the largest supporters of the COVAX vaccines programme,” the British High Commissioner Kate Airey OBE said.

“I am delighted that UKAid will continue to help Uganda cope with the ongoing wave of cases, through this funding for oxygen and essential supplies. I pay tribute to the brave and dedicated healthcare workers in Uganda who are tirelessly battling this disease, it is imperative they have the protection and supplies needed to stay safe and save lives.”