The Ministry of Health in Uganda has announced plans to hold individuals accountable for decampaigning the vaccine, contributing to its underutilization. In response to an audit report by the Auditor General revealing that Covid-19 vaccines worth Shs28 billion are set to be destroyed due to low uptake.
Mr. Daniel Kyabayinze, the Director of Public Health, emphasized the negative impact of certain individuals making disparaging remarks about the Covid-19 vaccination program. He stated that the government would take measures to bring such individuals to account for the wastage of vaccines, which will incur additional costs for disposal.
Mr. Kyabayinze expressed the intention to collaborate with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance to trace individuals who propagated negative messages about the vaccination program. He emphasized the consequences of spreading false information, citing existing laws and the Public Health Act, which mandates public support for government immunization programs.
The Auditor General’s report highlighted Uganda’s plan to destroy Covid-19 drugs worth Shs28 billion due to decreased demand, with more stock set to expire in the coming year. The funds for importing these drugs were obtained as a loan from the World Bank.
During the early stages of the Covid-19 vaccination campaign, misinformation circulated on social media, including claims that Covid-19 was a man-made disease and a tool of Western control, along with unfounded concerns about the impact of the vaccine on lifespan and fertility.
Mr. Kyabayinze commended the recent graduates in public health, expressing hope that they would counter negative information and contribute solutions to the country’s challenges. The field epidemiologists, who recently completed the Public Health Fellowship program, were recognized for their commendable work during the Sudan Ebola outbreak.
While the US government, represented by the US ambassador to Uganda, Mr. William W Popp, pledged ongoing funding for the fellowship, Dr. Alex Ario, the program director of the Public Health Fellowship, urged the government to provide funding for sustainability. Ms. Amy Boore, the Uganda country director for the US Centre for Disease Control, emphasized the importance of extending the fellowship to other countries due to the borderless nature of disease.
The Public Health Fellowship program, initiated in 2015, has produced 93 epidemiologists, contributing significantly to public health efforts in Uganda.
