COVID-19: Govt gives out 13 million masks

HEALTH|MASK DISTRIBUTION

The free masks so far distributed by the government to curb the spread of Covid-19 have hit 13 million. 

The revelation was contained in the statement by the ICT and National Guidance Minister Judith Nabakooba issued on Sunday.

"So far, more than 13 million masks have been given out and some of the people who received them can be seen putting them on," she said.

As part of the government's effort to prevent the spread of the disease, President Yoweri Museveni in May instructed the health ministry to avail free face masks to all Ugandans aged six years and above.

The distribution of masks kicked off last month with the border districts and those clustered as high-risk.



The distribution exercise recently commenced in Kampala and other Metropolitan areas of Wakiso and Mukono.

"However, the government is getting feedback that some of the masks being produced by some of the companies contracted are of poor quality and do not meet the standards issued by the Ministry of Health," Nabakooba said.

She added; "This is a big disappointment on the side of the suppliers entrusted with the responsibility of producing quality face masks meant to save the lives of Ugandans."

Nabakooba insisted that the government was going to follow up with the respective suppliers and those found guilty of producing substandard masks were at risk of having their contracts canceled.