KABALE – Two People have so far succumbed to COVID-19 in Kabale District, as Confirmed by the District Health Officer, Dr. Gilbert Arinaitwe Mateeka.
Dr. Mateeka disclosed yesterday at Rugarama Hospital in Kabale Municipality that over 20 patients have been tested this month, despite the scarcity of test kits, and some are in critical condition.
The revelation was made during a ceremony where essential medical equipment was donated to Rugarama Hospital by the Byengoma family, owners of Arcadia Cottages in Kabale District, spearheaded by Nicholas Byengoma.
Dr. Mateeka urged both health workers and the public to adhere to precautions diligently. He emphasized the importance of regular hand washing, sanitization, risk assessment, and urged everyone to follow appropriate behaviors. He advocated for the uptake of booster vaccines when available to minimize the risk of contracting the virus.
CUE IN DR. MATEEKA….ON COVID-19……ENG//
On January 17, 2024, Kabale Regional Referral Hospital reported a resurgence of COVID-19 cases. Dr. Anne Namutebi, a physician at the hospital, confirmed five positive cases under admission and expressed her belief in the persistence of COVID-19, likening it to other influenza viruses. The medical ward has been designated as an isolation center.
Dr. Namutebi cautioned the public against misinformation, stressing the ongoing prevalence of COVID-19 and the potential for future surges in Uganda.
On May 5, 2023, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared an end to the global health emergency for COVID-19. However, he clarified that the virus still posed a global health threat, urging countries to shift from emergency response to managing COVID-19 alongside other infectious diseases.
By November 2023, 72% of people worldwide had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, with a global administration of 13.6 billion doses. This significant vaccination effort contributed to a notable reduction in severe illness and hospitalizations.
