The United States Government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has donated a sum of $3.5M (UGX 12.4B) to Uganda for oxygen production and other supplies as the battle against second wave of deadly coronavirus rages on.
The US Embassy announced this through their official Twitter account saying said they are committed to supporting Uganda’s Covid-19 response.
“Medical oxygen is an essential, life-saving treatment for COVID-19 patients. To make sure that oxygen saves Ugandan lives, the United States through @USAID just contributed $3.5M (UGX 12.4B) for oxygen & other supplies. The U.S is committed to supporting Uganda’s COVID response.”
Meeting Col Edith Nakalema, the head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit in June 2021 over hiked charges of Covid-19 patients, the owners of private hospitals requested the government to involve them in the procurement of essential supplies for Covid-19 treatment.
They complained about the cost of personal protective equipment (PPEs), asked the government to help them set up oxygen plants in health facilities, and waive some of the taxes.
They requested ventilators and a special fund where they can borrow at a low-interest rate.
Recently, the United Kingdom also committed £500,000 (over $708,000) to UNICEF Uganda’s COVID-19 appeal – vital support that will benefit over 1.8 million people across Uganda.
The funding will support an increase in oxygen production and delivery and improve the availability of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at selected health facilities, to keep health care workers safe.
Immediate benefits include the purchase of one hundred 7,500-litre oxygen cylinders for Mulago National Referral Hospital; Namboole COVID-19 Treatment Centre; Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, and Moroto Regional Referral Hospital and the provision of operational support to 4 oxygen plants for 3 months.
UK support will also enable the procurement and installation of a new oxygen plant, in Kayunga Referral Hospital, boosting Uganda’s oxygen production capabilities.
In addition, funding will provide Personal Protective Equipment to Arua Regional Referral Hospital, Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, Moroto Regional Referral Hospital, and support the training of health care workers in PPE and oxygen use.
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