COVID-19 and
Service Above Self
The story of a game-changer
2020 presented the thought of new possibilities. Like the past years, our teams embarked on re-planning for the new year by setting ambitious goals and identifying lost opportunities. At a time of mass information, global travel, great health gaps and urgent interventions in governance and health
leadership. It seemed increasingly important to tap into existing infrastructural benefits and the much needed co-dependence of multi-stakeholders to remain sufficient and efficient in fighting disease.
Then came the silent killer COVID-19. Little did we know that as early as 21st November 2020, the world had been vilified by a disease like no other. As the
umbrella body, the World Health Organisation (WHO) picked great interest in understanding the complexities at hand, and response mechanisms were put in place to address the effects of an attack on humanity that was to later shut down nations, economies and great organisations as we prepared for the worst.
On 18th March, mass gatherings were suspended whilst evaluating response strategies at a national, institutional, and personal level. By 25th March, public transport was suspended and the state prepared its self for a national lock-down five days later (30th March). Like many situations, it was difficult to arrive at such a decision well knowing the complexities that surround our livelihoods as Ugandans.
As an institution, disease prevention was key and knowing the challenges faced with our health care systems in terms of access to modern equipment and drugs, being a landlocked country that heavily relies on the access
of goods through our neighbours many of whom had already instituted lock-downs. Immediate action was key.
In fact, quick action was looming. It was imminent that disease prevention was adequate and appropriate since time was not our best ally.
Today, 17,431 COVID-19 cases have been reported in Uganda with 168 deaths as of 20th November 2020. (COVID-19 update — WHO). There has been an increase in the spread of COVID-19 and there is need for continual vigilance in fighting this deadly disease. As a Ministry, we developed guidelines for public transportation, institutional quarantine, use of masks and mass gatherings as a preventive measure.
We have set up a COVID-19 Preparedness and a Response Plan (March 2020-June 2021) that includes fore thinking several interventions under the following pillars: leadership, stewardship, coordination and oversight. The aim is to provide guidance and support to all sector players that include: surveillance, laboratory services, case management at selected facilities, strategic information, research and innovation (SIRI), risk communication,
social mobilisation, community engagement and social protection initiatives undertaken under logistics to remain in harmony with the intervention plan, as well as sufficiently address emergencies.
We are working with the central government in developing planned outputs that include: procurement of ambulances, specialised medical equipment such as ICU machines, handling of transfers from Regional Referral Hospitals, setting up treatment centers to handle case management, setting up mobile health facilities at border points, procurement of personal protective equipment (PPEs), non-medical masks, blood collection materials for Uganda Blood Transfusion Services, test kits. There is also need to have adequate human resource interventions at the national level. We have also procured spray pumps and introduced operationalised laboratory testing at boarder points at Mutukula, Elegu and Malaba.
What does this experience mean to me as a Rotarian?
“The post-pandemic crisis has almost been forgotten. We are focusing on “getting back to normal” and recent “self induced using of masks”, “self quarantines neglecting what we have witnessed and what has been lost in the process.”
Today, the world has witnessed the biggest recession since 1870 with the economies world over needing over USD 18 trillion to stimulate their economies. A total of 37 million people have slid into extreme poverty globally with a plunge between 83–132 million people expected to lack fundamentals like food. Vaccination levels are dropping highly and this according to history was only witnessed in the 1990s.
As a ministry, we are observing disruptions to healthcare. As a nation and globally statistics suggest that 28 African countries as reported by WHO today have missed: 15% of malaria treatments, 10% of cardiovascular issues, 8% diabetes, 5% antenatal, 5% care for children under 5 years, and 4% vaccinations. (WHO statistics).
This means that COVID-19 has reminded us of the intersection between achieving Universal Healthcare and well being from the threat of health emergencies. As Rotarians, this only calls us to join humanity in salvaging what has remained for us all — service above self.
As we commemorate the Disease Prevention and Treatment month, we are reminded that there are many Ugandans out there that need access to healthcare facilities, drugs and social help to survive. COVID has demonstrated the inability of a single country/ organisation /individual to respond to public threats and health emergencies. Solidarity through our clubs and projects is highly needed to be able to respond to future threats and to build community-level resilience in our country today.
Thank you for your commitment to fighting diseases, but let us strive for the good of ourselves, and the communities that we aspire to change.
Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng (Minister of Health)
RC Muyenga Tankhill
Written by Rtn. Luwaga Gyaviira (communication and media)
Published in “D9211 Wave Magazine in Dec 2020
