COVID-19 fight: Uganda to benefit from sh3b Africa50 donation

COVID-19                  

Uganda is among several other African countries that will benefit from an $800,000 (over sh3b) relief support by Africa50, the pan-African infrastructure investment platform.

Under this initiative, Africa50 is providing $800,000 to help contain the spread of the virus and minimize its impact, a statement from the investment platform said.

There are over 66,000 COVID-19 cases in Africa with over 2,000 deaths. Uganda specifically has registered 126 cases as of today, with the largest number being truck drivers who move from the neighbouring countries, especially from Kenya and Tanzania. There is no death registered so far.

Of the total amount, $300,000 (over sh1.1b) will go to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) for the purchase of test kits and other medical equipment and mobilize frontline responders; while $500,000 (sh1.9b) will fund other targeted infection control and prevention activities in several African countries.

Africa50 announced its COVID-19 Relief Support Initiative, which aims to support the continent's fight against the pandemic in a statement last week. Given the likely long-term effects of the pandemic, Africa50's COVID-19 Relief Support Initiative will have three phases.

"The first phase focuses on helping countries deal with immediate public health needs through in-kind and cash donations. It comprises a $300,000 grant to the Africa CDC, which will be used specifically for the purchase of test kits and other medical equipment and to mobilize frontline responders, as highlighted in the Africa Joint Continental Strategy for COVID-19 led by the African Union, through Africa CDC. In addition, Africa50 is donating $500,000 to fund other targeted infection control and prevention activities in several African countries," the statement said.

The second phase, according to Africa50, will focus on technology-enabled solutions that help address the unprecedented demand for digital health innovations, which was triggered by the pandemic.

"To that effect, Africa50 will support the deployment of digital solutions, as part of its innovation challenge, an initiative launched in 2019 to increase internet connectivity access in under-served areas in Africa."

The third phase will concentrate on medium to long term solutions to support economic recovery and stabilisation, including the implementation of major infrastructure projects.

While announcing the donation, Alain Ebobissé, the chief executive officer of Africa50, said; "We stand in complete solidarity with all African nations and all our stakeholders around the world during these uncertain times. Beyond the tragic loss of human lives, the pandemic is projected to result in a decline in Africa's GDP growth between 3 and 8 percent."

Ebobissé underlined Africa's vulnerability to this new, rapidly evolving environment and stressed the need for diligent, impactful responses, and continental cooperation. "Governments, the private sector, development institutions, and civil society have acted quickly, both to limit the spread of the virus and to prop up economies. Africa50 will play its part.", he said.

He added; "If we work together, we can limit the damage of the pandemic. This crisis underlines once again the urgency of improving the continent's infrastructure to ensure that people can enjoy productive, happy, and healthy lives. We must therefore also continue to develop our project pipeline and evaluate new ones, as we prepare to support the continent's recovery."