• Latest
Uganda Starts Covid Vaccine Trials In March

Uganda Starts Covid Vaccine Trials In March

February 25, 2022
Opondo Says Media Centre Official Katureebe Under Protection as Rwanda Demands Action Against Him

Obed Katureebe Accused of Operating anti-Kagame Facebook Page Quietly Freed without Charges

May 28, 2022
DR Congo Suspends RwandAir over M23

DR Congo Suspends RwandAir over M23

May 28, 2022
Uganda is in our Hands, Serve it Well- Gen Elwelu tells Junior Officers

Uganda is in our Hands, Serve it Well- Gen Elwelu tells Junior Officers

May 28, 2022
Fire Guts Kakira Sugar Works Stores in Jinja

Fire Guts Kakira Sugar Works Stores in Jinja

May 27, 2022
INTERVIEW: How Sandra Nakayenze is Challenging Status quo with Zesui Dream Coffee

INTERVIEW: How Sandra Nakayenze is Challenging Status quo with Zesui Dream Coffee

May 27, 2022
Minister Ecweru in Mitooma to Asses State of Roads, Promises to Restore Ncwera Bridge

Minister Ecweru in Mitooma to Asses State of Roads, Promises to Restore Ncwera Bridge

May 27, 2022
NTV Cameraman James Babalanda Dies

NTV Cameraman James Babalanda Dies

May 27, 2022
M23 Rebels Attack FARDC Military Base in Eastern DR Congo

M23 Rebels Attack FARDC Military Base in Eastern DR Congo

May 27, 2022
Abeeka Band to Perform Live at ‘Vumbula Jinja’ Festival

Abeeka Band to Perform Live at ‘Vumbula Jinja’ Festival

May 27, 2022
COSASE Summons Minister Kasaija over Shs10.6bn Payment to Landowners

COSASE Summons Minister Kasaija over Shs10.6bn Payment to Landowners

May 27, 2022
Epic Historical Drama Series, Shaka Ilembe, Set for Release in 2023

Epic Historical Drama Series, Shaka Ilembe, Set for Release in 2023

May 27, 2022
More Drama in Bbnaija ‘Shine Ya Eye’ Reunion on DStv and GOtv this June

More Drama in Bbnaija ‘Shine Ya Eye’ Reunion on DStv and GOtv this June

May 27, 2022
SoftPower News
Sunday, May 29, 2022
  • News
  • Tourism & Travel
  • Business
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
  • Regional
    • Kenya
    • Rwanda
    • Tanzania
    • Burundi
    • South Sudan
    • DR Congo
  • Defence & Security
  • Sport
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Agriculture
    • Africa
    • Columnists
    • Education
    • Health
      • COVID-19
    • International News
    • News in Pictures
    • OpEd
    • Pearl Of Africa
    • People
    • Politics
    • Special Reports
    • Women
No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Tourism & Travel
  • Business
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
  • Regional
    • Kenya
    • Rwanda
    • Tanzania
    • Burundi
    • South Sudan
    • DR Congo
  • Defence & Security
  • Sport
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Agriculture
    • Africa
    • Columnists
    • Education
    • Health
      • COVID-19
    • International News
    • News in Pictures
    • OpEd
    • Pearl Of Africa
    • People
    • Politics
    • Special Reports
    • Women
No Result
View All Result
SoftPower News
No Result
View All Result

Uganda Starts Covid Vaccine Trials In March

by Our Reporter
February 25, 2022
Uganda Starts Covid Vaccine Trials In March
  • Facebook
  • Tweet
  • WhatsApp
  • Telegram
  • Email

Scientists working on a Covid-19 vaccine in Uganda have told legislators on the Presidential Affairs Committee that trials will commence in early March 2022.

Dr Sheila Balinda, a molecular virologist at Uganda Virus Research Institute said they have developed a vaccine using covid-19 strains that were experienced in the country. She added that the institute has also built capacity to manage epidemics in the future.

“I am happy to report that so far, we have the three constructs for the strains that originated within Uganda meaning that we have made the vaccine at a molecular level.  We have made one for our local virus,  Delta and Omicron viruses,” said Balinda.

She added that pre-clinical tests will be conducted using model animals like mice and chimpanzees with objectives to determine vaccine safety, immunogenicity and efficacy with activities to commence early in March.

The Executive Director at Joint Clinical Research Centre Dr Cissy Kityo said that  they have started identifying eligible donors of the immune plasma.

This is collected from survivors of Covid-19 illness.

“The Food and Drug Administration of the United States which is equivalent to our National Drug Authority approved emergency use of convalescent plasma in patients especially those with underlying risk factors. That was the motivation for this project here,” Kityo said.

The scientists from Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), Joint Clinical Research Center (JCRC), Makerere University College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (MAK-COUAB) and Presidential Scientific Initiative on Epidemics (PRESIDE) appeared before the Committee on Wednesday, 23 February 2022.

Committee Members tasked the scientists to sensitise Ugandans on the progress made in research and when such products will be available on the Ugandan market.

Committee Chairperson Hon Jessica Ababiku said they will give the necessary support to scientists but asked for a comprehensive plan that can be used for lobbying.

“We want to see the products and priorities that you have on your table. You should market our local materials while doing your clinical research because this means the multiplier effect on what we offer will be higher,” said Ababiku.

Ababiku tasked the scientists to become specific on the manufacture of a Covid-19 vaccine in Uganda and when it shall be ready so that MPs can update the House and sensitise their constituents accordingly.

“We can defend your projects if you provide us with the right information. Tell us if there is no duplication in your work and how you are going to help our health system to work better, and whether there’s a gap you want to close,” Ababiku added.

Busia district Woman MP, Hon Hellen Auma tasked the scientists to explain why they are continuing with research to develop vaccine kits despite Health Ministry’s reports of declining numbers of Covid-9 cases in the country.

Nwoya County MP, Hon Tony Awany called for support towards the country’s scientists in their work, noting that a visit to JCRC indicated that all necessary equipment has been installed with trained staff for the jobs.
“If we can only give them the support they need, then we can make a breakthrough in nebulized treatment. Another stalled project of the stem cells ought to be supported which will go a long way in getting good products,” said Awany.

Maj Gen Henry Matsiko cited the need for a holistic approach by Uganda to invest more in machinery for work on research rather than depending on other people’s science.

“Part of your challenges are the gadgets you need to enhance your work. There should be a structure line under PRESIDE that will empower our engineers to substitute the essential machinery,” Matsiko said.

Post Views: 173
  • Facebook
  • Tweet
  • WhatsApp
  • Telegram
  • Email
Tags: Covid trialsDr Sheila BelindaUganda
Leave Comment

Recent Stories

Obed Katureebe Accused of Operating anti-Kagame Facebook Page Quietly Freed without Charges

DR Congo Suspends RwandAir over M23

Uganda is in our Hands, Serve it Well- Gen Elwelu tells Junior Officers

Fire Guts Kakira Sugar Works Stores in Jinja

INTERVIEW: How Sandra Nakayenze is Challenging Status quo with Zesui Dream Coffee

Minister Ecweru in Mitooma to Asses State of Roads, Promises to Restore Ncwera Bridge

SoftPower News

SoftPower News is a subsidiary of SoftPower Communications LLC, a Ugandan digital media group. Keep posted of the latest from Uganda and East Africa.
Plot 4B Malcolm X, Kololo
P.O Box 1497, Kampala - Uganda
Tel: +256-392-001-701
Email: info@softpower.ug

This news site is licenced by Uganda Communications Commission (UCC)

ADVERTISEMENT
  • News
  • Tourism & Travel
  • Business
  • Lifestyle
  • Regional
  • Defence & Security
  • Sport
  • Entertainment
  • More

© SoftPower News

No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Tourism & Travel
  • Business
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
  • Regional
    • Kenya
    • Rwanda
    • Tanzania
    • Burundi
    • South Sudan
    • DR Congo
  • Defence & Security
  • Sport
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Agriculture
    • Africa
    • Columnists
    • Education
    • Health
      • COVID-19
    • International News
    • News in Pictures
    • OpEd
    • Pearl Of Africa
    • People
    • Politics
    • Special Reports
    • Women

© SoftPower News

error: Content is protected

Send this to a friend