Gov't to decentralize COVID-19 management

By Ismael Kasooha

Kakumiro

The ministry of health is on a countrywide campaign to sensitize the public on how to use the masks properly to avoid spreading COVID-19.

State minister for health in charge general duties, Robinah Nabanja heading Bunyoro and North Buganda districts said that the ministry wants to ensure the COVID19 task forces in all districts sensitize the public on how best to use the masks to serve their purpose.

Nabanja said that the public is required to first wash their hands with water and soap or use a hand sanitizer before putting on the mask.

She said that anybody using the mask must adhere to the set guidelines if the mask is to serve its intended purpose.

"Hold on to the straps or loops and place the mask over the nose and mouth all the way to the chin and ensure that the straps are well placed behind the ears or at the back of your head. Adding do not touch the front and inner sides of the mask and make sure the mask is kept on when talking," said Nabanja.

She said that government is in final stages of distributing the masks to the public but the people should be prepared first.

Nabanja said that government plans to decentralize the management of COVID-19 so as to build the district task forces' capacity to fight the pandemic.

 "We want the ministry to remain with the supervisory role but actual implementation will come down to districts and regions," said Nabanja.

Dr. Jessica Sabiti Nsungwa, the commissioner in charge maternal, child and reproductive health in the ministry of health said that if not properly used, the mask could transmit the disease.

Nsungwa asked all district task forces to come up with comprehensive COVID-19 response plans so that they can be funded for implementation.

"All district task forces must have comprehensive plans because they know the challenges they are facing that need to be addressed," said Nsungwa.

The resident district commissioner for Kakumiro district, Apollo Mugume said that they're faced with a serious shortage of health workers with only 47.5% staffing levels.

He said that the few health workers have indeed dedicated themselves to serve the people with hardships.

Dr. Robert Senteza, the Kakumiro district health officer said that they do not have protective gear and their safety is compromised.

Senteza asked the ministry of health to consider settingup an alternative for districts that had turned schools into quarantine centers yet they are about to open.

"What is our fate as a district that has been using a school as the quarantine center yet schools are supposed to open soon?" asked Senteza.