The government of the United Kingdom recently released a grant of GBP 1.322 million (UGX 6.11 billion) to support various aspects of Uganda’s fight against COVID-19. Activities funded by the UK grant are being implemented by WHO and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
WHO and IOM are using their respective expertise to help strengthen and maintain the capacity of the health sector to prevent, prepare for, detect and respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.
As the lead implementing agency, WHO will pursue two key objectives: (i) To strengthen coordination of COVID-19 preparedness and response activities at national and sub-national level, and (ii) to strengthen surveillance, detection, laboratory confirmation of cases and reporting system for prompt containment of cases.
Project activities will include: Recruitment of staff at national, regional and district level to facilitate coordination; support functionality of the national and district taskforces in high risk and affected areas; orientation of district officials on the Incident management system; orientation of surveillance teams; supporting follow-up of contacts of the confirmed cases; sample collection, transportation and analysis at designated laboratories; and procurement of laboratory supplies and testing kits.
In parallel, WHO also works with health authorities to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support as part of COVID-19 response. In Uganda, like most African countries, mental healthcare was already weak before the epidemic, and mental health services suffered. Experts from the WHO Regional office for Africa observe that little if any budget is allocated in many African countries to implement plans for mental health and psychosocial support as part of their COVID-19 response plans.
Uganda is increasing personnel and funding, with psychosocial workers trained across the country to ensure mental health and psychosocial support services are operational. In addition, teleconsultations and a helpline allow monitoring of discharged COVID-19 patients.
WHO thanks all donors and partners who have contributed to fund the Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan to combat COVID-19. A special appreciation goes to Member States and other contributors who provided flexible funds, making it possible for WHO to deliver a coherent, strategic and broad response.
Read more about the UK’s support to Uganda
Learn more about WHO's partners and donors and their contributions
Read more about WHO’s response to COVID-19