Uganda’s Preparedness For Equitable Access To Medical Products
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Date
2021
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Publisher
HEPS
Abstract
Uganda is one of the countries that had the leastCOVID-19 cases in the first wave of infections. However, cases shot-up in a more virulent second wave, driven by new variants of the virus, with the positivity rate reaching 17.1% and cumulative cases quickly shooting to 84,140 and deaths to 2,064 as of 9 July 2021.2 Although the country is a beneficiary of global and regional collaborations as well as bilateral donations, there has been a critical shortage of DVT and PPE.Global guidance The COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan (SPRP) of the World Health Organisation (WHO) of February 2021 and its Operational Plan focus on ensuring that capacities are in place in all countries to equitably deploy essential COVID-19 medical products. The Operational Plan in particular sets out the key actions and measures to be taken to ensure a comprehensive and effective response to the pandemic, including the implementation of new DVT in every country and context – under-resourced settings inclusive. WHO recommends the mainstreaming of gender equality, health equity and human rights during program design, planning and implementation. It emphasizes meaningful participation, collaboration and consultation with people experiencing poverty and social exclusion.