World Vision boosts Kagadi, Kakumiro COVID-19 task forces

COVID-19 | WORLD VISION

KAKUMIRO - As the country fights against the spread COVID-19, World Vision Uganda Kibaale cluster has boosted Kakumiro and Kagadi COVID-19 task forces with personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies to ensure the safety of health workers.

"We have handed over PPEs and supplies worth sh62m that will support the two districts in the fight against COVID-19," said Celestine Kiwanuka, the manager of World Vision Kibaale.

Among the equipment donated are 1,200 gumboots, masks, hand washing facilities, 200 liters of hand sanitizers and dust/trash bins, among others.

Kiwanuka said this has been done in a bid to equip the Kakumiro and Kagadi facilities and health workers for proper safe functionality in case they get positive cases.

"The safety of our health workers is paramount in the fight against the pandemic and they must be well protected to offer quality services," said Kiwanuka.

Kiwanuka said World Vision encourages leaders at all levels to base their response to the pandemic on the opinions of experts.

He added that they should be mindful of vulnerable groups who may be hit hard, while looking out for issues such as domestic violence, child protection, accessibility to water, among others.

Apollo Mugume, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Kakumiro asked the communities to adhere to presidential directives, however hard the conditions may seem because they are aimed at keeping them alive.

"The public must adhere to the presidential directives especially hand washing, social distancing and staying at home," said Mugume.

Kakumiro leaders receiving some of the personal protective equipment from World Vision manager Celestine Kiwanuka at the district headquarters

Mugume thanked World Vision for the timely support of the districts and promised to put the donation to proper use to serve the public.

Robert Senteza, the district health officer Kakumiro said the PPEs came at a time when most facilities were in short supply and he is optimistic that the equipment will go on to boost the fight against COVID-19.

"The safety of the frontline health workers is indeed paramount and when we get such partners, we feel better at work," said Senteza.

The state minister for health in charge general duties Robinah Nabanja commended World Vision for coming down to the districts to support them even after their intervention at national level.

"As a government, we are happy and appreciate the efforts of World Vision to supplement government plans during this difficult time, where the entire world is grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic," said Nabanja.

She said Kagadi district being a border district with DR Congo, it is imperative that the facilities are equipped for any eventuality.