Browsing by Author "Driwale, Alfred"

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    COVID-19 vaccination status and associated factors among patients presenting with COVID-19-like symptoms in Uganda
    (Vaccine, 2025) Kusemererwa, Sylvia; Ankunda, Violet; Ongaria, Terry A.; Abaasa, Andrew; Kakande, Ayoub; Ssemwanga, Deogratius; Kimbugwe, Geofrey; Nayiga, Bernadette; Bosa, Henry K.; Driwale, Alfred; Yonas, T. Woldemariam; Kisakye, Annet; James, Humphreys; Archibald, K. Worwui; Sandra, Cohuet; Mwenda, Jason M.; Alison, M. Elliott; Kaleebu, Pontiano; Ruzagira, Eugene
    The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants threatens the effectiveness of global vaccination campaigns. This study examines the vaccination status and associated factors among patients presenting with COVID-19-like symptoms at 19 healthcare facilities in Uganda. Materials and methods A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data collected at health facilities to evaluate the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in Uganda from March 2023 to March 2024. Participants were individuals aged 12 years and older with COVID-19-like symptoms who underwent a SARS-CoV-2 qPCR test within 10 days of symptom onset. The study involved obtaining informed consent, collecting medical and vaccination histories (confirmed using vaccination cards and Ministry of Health COVID-19 database), performing physical examinations, administering a questionnaire, and taking oral/nasopharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 qPCR testing. Vaccination coverage was defined as receiving at least one vaccine dose. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with vaccination status. Results Among 1398 participants enrolled (55.4 % female), the median age was 30.0 years (IQR: 24.0–41.0). Vaccination coverage, was 66.6 %. Residing in Wakiso district compared to the Capital, Kampala was associated with a higher likelihood of vaccination (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.4, 95 % CI: 1.0–1.8, p = 0.021). Frontline and healthcare workers were more likely to be vaccinated (aOR = 5.0, 95 % CI: 3.6–7.3, p < 0.001), as were individuals with a previous COVID-19 diagnosis (aOR = 2.4, 95 % CI: 1.6–3.9, p < 0.001). Conclusions Our results underscore the need for targeted public health messaging and support to promote vaccination, especially among non-healthcare workers. Addressing these gaps is crucial for maintaining high vaccination coverage and mitigating the impact of new SARS-CoV-2 variants on the population.
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    Strategies to Enhance COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake among Prioritized Groups, Uganda—Lessons Learned and Recommendations for Future Pandemics
    (U.S. National Center for Infectious Diseases, 2024-07) Kiiza, Daniel; Semanda, Judith Nanyondo; Kawere, Boneventure Brian; Ajore, Claire; Wasswa, Christopher Kaliisa; Kwiringira, Andrew; Tumukugize, Emmanuel; Sserubidde, Joel; Namyalo, Nashiba; Wadria, Ronald Baker; Mukiibi, Peter; Kasule, Julie; Chemos, Ivan; Ruth, Acham Winfred; Atugonza, Ritah; Banage, Flora; Wibabara, Yvette; Ampaire, Immaculate; Driwale, Alfred; Vosburgh, Waverly; Nelson, Lisa; Lamorde, Mohammed; Boore, Amy
    COVID-19 vaccination was launched in March 2021 in Uganda and initially prioritized persons >50 years of age, persons with underlying conditions, healthcare workers, teachers, and security forces. However, uptake remained low 5 months after the program launch. Makerere University's Infectious Diseases Institute supported Uganda's Ministry of Health in optimizing COVID-19 vaccination uptake models by using point-of-care, place of worship, and place of work engagement and the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment model in 47 of 135 districts in Uganda, where we trained influencers to support mobilization for vaccination outreach under each model. During July-December, vaccination rates increased significantly in targeted regions, from 92% to 130% for healthcare workers, 40% to 90% for teachers, 25% to 33% for security personnel, 6% to 15% for persons >50 years of age, and 6% to 11% for persons with underlying conditions. Our approach could be adopted in other targeted vaccination campaigns for future pandemics.COVID-19 vaccination was launched in March 2021 in Uganda and initially prioritized persons >50 years of age, persons with underlying conditions, healthcare workers, teachers, and security forces. However, uptake remained low 5 months after the program launch. Makerere University's Infectious Diseases Institute supported Uganda's Ministry of Health in optimizing COVID-19 vaccination uptake models by using point-of-care, place of worship, and place of work engagement and the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment model in 47 of 135 districts in Uganda, where we trained influencers to support mobilization for vaccination outreach under each model. During July-December, vaccination rates increased significantly in targeted regions, from 92% to 130% for healthcare workers, 40% to 90% for teachers, 25% to 33% for security personnel, 6% to 15% for persons >50 years of age, and 6% to 11% for persons with underlying conditions. Our approach could be adopted in other targeted vaccination campaigns for future pandemics. MEDLINE - Academic