The Ministry of Health launched the accelerated Covid-19 vaccination campaign in Karamoja Region, a new multidrug-resistant (MDR)TB ward, and a new maternity ward at Moroto regional referral hospital.
Over 500,000 vaccines were transported to the region to cover all eligible persons for the campaign. These covered districts of Karenga, Kaabong, Kotido, Abim, Napak, Amudat, Moroto, Nabilatuk, and Nakapiripirit.
Ministry of Health management thanked the very many district leaders for coming on board to give hand in improving health service delivery in the region.
Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam, the World Health Organization representative in Uganda encouraged the people of the Karamoja region and the world at large to get vaccinated so that the pandemic can be defeated.
“Our duty is to ensure the saving of lives. This launch is not for the Karamoja alone, it’s for all of us, in Uganda and the world over. The only way to defeat this disease is to ensure all measures are implemented, vaccination inclusive,” he said.
The permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health Dr. Diana Atwine also rubbished the rumor of the vaccines having negative effects on people’s lives. she said they were safe.
“if we vaccinate, we’re safer, no vaccination will lead to stretching the health system. Let’s vaccinate, complete the doze as per the WHO and Ministry of Health guidance. The vaccines are safe and they save lives,” she said.
According to Hon. Dr. Ruth Acheng, covid 19 cases have been reducing on a daily basis but it doesn’t mean we should be reluctant to get vaccinated because everyone is prone to this virus. She urged the population aged 18 years and above to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and all those eligible for the booster dose to get boosted.
” Although we’re currently out of danger, due to a low positivity rate of 2%, the mortality rate continues to go up. Let’s vaccinate, get your booster doze if you’re 50 years and above,” she said.
Similarly, a new multidrug-resistant ward and maternity ward were commissioned at Moroto regional referral hospital in the Karamoja region. this will also improve the delivery of health services in the region.
A Performance review meeting was held to discuss health services delivery in the 9 districts of Karamoja. Emphasis was put on Maternal and Child Health services and the regional referral system, among other factors affecting services delivery.
From here, feedback was shared on key observations at different wards and points of care and they also received the new hospital Director Dr. Pande.
The people of the Karamoja Region can now have better health services.