Uganda has received the first batch of Covid-19 vaccines, containing 864,000 doses acquired from AstraZeneca, the British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical company.
The minister of health Dr. Jane Aceng led the team that received the vaccines. According to the minister of ICT and National Guidance Judith Nabakooba, vaccination will begin on March 10, following a national launch that will be held on March 8.
Uganda targets to vaccinate 49.6% of the population which is about 21,936,011 people in a phased manner. The minister said that each phase is planned to cover 20% of the population which is about 4,387,202 people and the eligible population lies in the age range of 18 years and above.
According to Nabakooba, in phases 2 and 3 of the COVID-19 vaccination program, the Ministry of Health will roll out the vaccination to age groups between 18 and 50 years of age in a staggered manner until 49.6% of the Ugandan population is vaccinated.
Vaccinators who will administer the vaccines and carry out the vaccination exercise in the respective centers are already being trained.
All persons eligible for vaccination will be required to provide a National Identification card for Ugandans and a passport for the case of non–Ugandans (Foreigner and Refugees).
Government Health Center IIIs, IVs, district hospitals, regional referrals, national referral hospitals and specialized institutions have been designated as vaccination service points in each district or city, the minister said, adding that all vaccinated persons will receive a vaccination card and will be required to present the card for the second dose.