Hoima district runs out of COVID-19 vaccines

Hoima District has run out of the COVID-19 Vaccines amidst surging cases in both the city and district.

Last month, the health ministry delivered 2,562 doses of the Moderna vaccine and 650 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine.  The vaccines were distributed to various vaccination points which include Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Kigorobya Health Center IV, Bujumbura Health Center III, Buseruka Health Center III, Mparangasi Health Center III, Azur Health Center IV and Kabaale Health Center III among others.

Dr Lawrence Tumusiime, the Hoima District Health Officer says that the district is running out of the COVID-19 vaccine with less than 200 doses remaining.

He explains that more than 15,000 people have so far been vaccinated in the district and city and many more are embracing yet the remaining doses are inadequate.

According to Tumusiime, they have requested the health ministry for more vaccines to facilitate the vaccination of the priority groups especially teachers.

Tumusiime says over the weekend alone,11 people tested positive for COVID-19 in the district and city and are being managed under home-based care.

He attributes the trend to lack of adherence to the standard operating procedures-SOPs saying many people have adamantly refused to wear face masks, wash their hands frequently while other public places including the churches lack handwashing facilities.

He has also faulted the proprietors of churches for allegedly allowing more than 200 people which is contrary to the presidential directive adding that the situation if not immediately addressed, the area could soon see a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Samuel Kisembo, the Resident City Commissioner-RCC too admits that the public has relaxed on adhering to the COVID-19 set guidelines saying this could lead to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the area.

Cumulatively Hoima has registered 1,462 COVID-19 cases with 49 deaths and 11 active cases.