Health
GAVI accepts Uganda’s application to participate in the Global COVAX initiative for COVID-19 Vaccine access
Uganda has submitted an application to participate in the Global COVAX initiative for COVID-19 vaccine access.
According to Dr. Diana Atwine the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Uganda’s application has already been accepted by the Global Alliance for Vaccine Initiative (GAVI).
Uganda has registered a surge in COVID-19 cases with up to 88% or (22,000) reported in the last three months.
On Saturday 2nd January 2021, the National Task Force on COVID-19 held a meeting at State House Entebbe. In the meeting which was chaired by President Yoweri Museveni, the Task Force reached agreement that there was an urgent need to access the COVID-19 vaccine for the people of Uganda, not only as a mitigating strategy against severe disease and deaths, but also a public health measure to enable a safe return to normalcy.
“Based on evidence available and the recommendations of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Health, Uganda will access the vaccine from AstraZeneca. Uganda will also explore other traditional vaccine options such as one from China, when they receive approval from the World Health Organization” Dr. Atwine noted.
The meeting also agreed that access to the vaccine will be done in an equitable manner starting with the most vulnerable and those most at risk. It also instructed the PS Ministry of Health to initiate preparation to ensure readiness to receive and expeditiously distribute the vaccine to the population.
