By Jerry Omondi
Uganda launched its mass COVID-19 vaccination program on Wednesday, joining a host of countries in Africa to initiate the inoculations.
Minister of Health Jane Ruth Aceng received her jab in front of media cameras at Mulago Hospital in Kampala, confirming that the East African country would be administering the AstraZeneca vaccines.
The minister noted that Uganda aims to vaccinate at least 49.6% of its population 21,936,011 with COVID 19 vaccines in different phases.
Each phase is planned to cover 20% of the target population which is about 4,387,202 people.
The country’s vaccination drive will prioritize essential groups, starting with healthcare workers followed by teachers and those in high-risk groups, including the elderly.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Diana Atwine, also received her jab at Mulago Hospital.
Upon her vaccination, she reiterated the safety of the vaccine for use by all Ugandans.
By Wednesday, Uganda had reported 40,337 confirmed COVID-19 infections with 444 deaths.
