London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

The MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit has been applauded by the Masaka Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Mrs. Lule Ssenkungu for being at the forefront of the COVID-19 response in the greater Masaka Region.

The RDC’s comments were made while launching the second COVID-19 vaccination phase at the District Headquarters saying that the financial support came at the time when the DTF lacked ready money to boost the vaccination drive. She added that this money has been used to provide vaccination allowances to frontline workers and transportation of vaccines

Following a request for funding by the RDC, the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit on 24^th January donated Shs.15million to the Masaka District COVID-19 Taskforce (DTF) in a continued effort towards the fight against the pandemic as financial support to boost the logistical challenges.

Mr. Nathan Lujumwa the Masaka District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) also revealed that the Unit has offered its researchers to conduct community-based surveillance of strategically chosen study populations in Lukaya town. Adding that the Unit has also boosted the COVID19 fight through re-training additional health workers as well as conducting and supervising vaccination outreaches in the District.

Masaka District COVID-19 Taskforce has been implementing COVID-19 vaccination in phases and the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit continues to be a major partner. During the first phase COVID-19 vaccination last year in August 2021, the Unit donated vital personal protective equipment (PPE) Valued at about Shs.45 million (£9,000) to support medical teams working on the COVID-19 response. These included thermometers, masks, sanitisers, gum boots, face shields, aprons, body bags, oximeters and gloves to help keep healthcare providers as safe as possible. 

Dr. Freddie Mukasa Kibengo the Masaka field station Manager, said that this is one of the ways the Unit gives back to the community that supports its research initiatives. he says that the Unit is pleased to always contribute towards lifesaving initiatives.