The Director-General Health Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr Henry Mwebesa, has requested all private Laboratories to exit all border points immediately, including Katuna, given that its no longer necessary to conduct COVID-19 testing at land border points of entry.
“This is therefore to request all Private Laboratories to exit border points of entry premises immediately as it is no longer necessary to conduct any COVID-19 tests at land border points of entry,” Dr Mwebesa said in a statement copied to Health ministry officials.
Health ministry spokesperson, Ainebyoona Emmanuel, has been touring border points to assess the progress of Covid-19 vaccination.
On March 29, Ainebyoona met a team of journalists who told their COVID-19 Vaccination stories in Kisoro district.
He was, however, welcomed by loud blasts and gunshots on DRC side while on the road to Bunangana border.
#FightingInDRC. With a team of journalists to tell COVID-19 Vaccination stories in Kisoro. We were welcomed by loud blasts and gunshots on DRC side. We were on the road to Bunangana border. Many refugees are arriving. Kisoro and our team are safe pic.twitter.com/iMj5PEExeQ
— Ainebyoona Emmanuel (@ainbyoo) March 29, 2022
“Many refugees are arriving. Kisoro and our team are safe. More Refugees arriving as they head to the reception centre,” he tweeted.
In a session with Kisoro District Health Officer and Assistant District Health Officer about their work regarding COVID-19 vaccination, the ministry learnt that the district has achieved a target of +80 percent.
“I am glad to note that COVID-19 Vaccination has been Integrated into routine immunisation at most of our health facilities. This is a step in the right direction. Thanks @UNICEFUganda for this journalists’ trip,” Ainebyoona tweeted.
He said the ministry of Health is going to make partnerships with private hospitals to increase the rate of COVID Vaccination in the country.
“Jane Ruth Aceng (Health minister) will provide more details on this process,” Ainebyoona said on Thursday.
Rukungiri District Health Officer (DHO), Dr Akasiima Mucunguzi, told press that COVID-19 Vaccination for those 18 years and above will soon close.
The district will soon be focusing on ages between 12-17 years.
He said the booster dose will be available to those in-need.
Rukungiri District, according to the DHO, has not had any COVID-19 vaccines expire in their possession.
The district has registered over 88 percent coverage of COVID-19 Vaccination.
“Thanks to @UNICEFUganda for supporting @MinofHealthUG to conduct this journalists tour To expand COVID-19 Vaccination,” Ainebyoona tweeted.
Ainebyoona visited a static Vaccination point at Rukungiri Health Centre which registers an average of 120 people seeking Vaccination.
He said the ministry will be extending the vaccines to private health facilities through MoUs and accreditation.
“Vaccination is the only way to keep our economy healthy.”
I am glad to note that COVID-19 Vaccination has been Intergrated into routine immunisation at most of our health facilities. This is a step in the right direction. Thanks @UNICEFUganda for this journalists' trip @MinofHealthUG pic.twitter.com/BBiHgvRrZ2
— Ainebyoona Emmanuel (@ainbyoo) March 30, 2022