The Catholic Church has intensified the vaccination campaign to fight COVID-19.

The chairperson of the Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU), Sister Annamaria Nankusu, said “We should give thanks to God for the work done. We now have vaccines to protect us from COVID-19. They grant us the hope of ending the pandemic, but only if they are available to all and if we work together.”

This was during the launch of the Catholic Sisters COVID-19 vaccine Ambassadors Campaign at their headquarters at Nsambya on Friday.

The campaign is meant to encourage people to go vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Some of nuns and other participants during the launch. (Photo by Juliet Lukwago)

Sister Nankusu said their campaign is meant to increase people’s confidence in COVID-19 vaccines by reminding them that the vaccines are safe, effective and save people’s lives.

She added that COVID-19 affected the economy, education, health and the local communities where they serve. 

She said they seek to provide critical support to combat the spread of COVID-19, mitigate vaccine hesitancy and encourage vaccine uptake.”  

ARS secretary-general. Sister Mary Lydia Apili Bwor said the Catholic Church social teaching requires that we act in solidarity to promote the common good.

"Being vaccinated with vaccines authorised by the government is an act of love. Ensuring the majority of the people are vaccinated is an act of love for family and friends and all people," she said.

She added that the main objective of their involvement in the vaccine campaign is to provide critical support to combating COVID-19 spread, mitigate vaccine hesitancy and encourage vaccine acceptance and uptake. 

“Specifically, we seek to champion increased vaccine uptake among the consecrated men and women, and other faithful, through effective mobilization,” she added.

“We plan to build COVID-19 awareness and interventions capacities of Catholic sisters in Uganda through training. We shall endeavour to increase trust in vaccine interventions by strengthening the COVID-19 communication strategies in Sister-led healthcare institutions, government and other private health facilities.”

She added that “It is in our interest to collaborate with the Ministry of Health and the COVID-19 task force to enhance the national response to vaccination.”

Number of vaccinated people

Health workers target 150,000, but 140,635 (93.8%) have already received their first dose, 70,912 second dose, (47.3%).

Security 250,000, first dose 161,491 (64.6%) 73,470 (29.4%).

Teachers 550,000 first dose 376,555 (68.5%), second dose 137,836 (25.1%).

Elderly (50yrs) 3,348,500 first dose 511,142 (15.3%) second dose 180,069 (5.4%).

People with comorbidities 500,000, first dose 40,443 13 (8.1%), second dose 13,606 (2.7%)

Other; first dose 785,723 and second dose 160,401.