Hours after Uganda’s neighboring country, Democratic Republic of Congo confirmed its first Corona Virus case, Makerere University has instituted a committee to accelerate the implementation of the Ministry of Health Guidance and Recommendations on preventing the virus which is a threat to the university and country at large.
In contextualization and implementation of Health guidelines and recommendations, Uganda’s oldest and biggest University has appointed the board to represent the University in Ministry level planning on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Preparedness
In a statement issued by the University Vice-Chancellor, Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, the committee will issue regular updates to students and staff on the global, regional and national COVID-19 situation. The committee is entitled but not limited to;
- Intensifying Risk Communication on COVID-19 in the University
- Creation of Provisional Isolation facilities at the Makerere University Hospital for any identified COVID-19 suspects
- Adherence to the Ministry of Health travel Advisory and Guidance on planning and conducting Mass Gatherings
Makerere University is characterized by several factors that create a unique context within which the guidance and recommendations on how to prevent COVID-19 must be implemented such as hosting international conferences, receiving International students undertaking different programmes at the University.
The most recent update issued by the Uganda Ministry of Health on 7th March 2020, however, indicated that there is no confirmed case of COVID-19 in Uganda as yet .
